The fate of embattled Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza will be known today after the special Senate committee investigating her impeachment retreated Thursday to write its report.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, in a special gazette notice issued Wednesday, convened a special sitting where an 11-member special committee that heard charges against the governor will table its report, setting the stage for debate and perhaps voting.
Mwangaza’s fate now lies in the hands of senators.
If the special team finds that the allegations facing Ms Mwangaza have not been substantiated, the matter will come to an end as further proceedings shall not be taken in line with Section 33(6) of the County Government Act, 2012.
However, if the committee chaired by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale returns a verdict that the allegations have been substantiated, the Senate will, after according the governor an opportunity to be heard in the plenary, vote on the impeachment charges.
Section 33(6)(b) of the County Governments Act read together with Senate Standing Order 75(4)(b) provides that where the Special Committee reports that the particulars of any allegation against the Governor have been substantiated, the Senate shall, after according to the Governor an opportunity to be heard, vote on each of the charges.
Where the Special Committee reports that the particulars of any allegation against the Governor have not been substantiated, further proceedings shall not be taken in respect of that allegation in line with Section 33(6) (a) of the County Governments Act and Senate Standing Order 75(4).
Mwangaza became the first county boss to be impeached since the August 9, 2022, general election.
On December 14, 2022, 67 out of 69 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in Meru voted in favor of an impeachment motion tabled by Abogeta West MCA and Minority Party Whip Dennis Kiogora.
The MCAs wanted Mwangaza out of office over alleged gross misconduct, the appointment of her husband to the county office, and claims over the dismissal of county officers.
Meru MCAs accused the governor of gross misconduct and abuse of office, all broken down to five charges.
On Tuesday, Kawira pleaded not guilty to the charges before the special committee saying she is a victim of blackmail.
The MCAs accused her of committing at least one constitutional violation on each of the 64 days she has been in power.
They said within that period, Kawira committed 62 violations of the Constitution.
