Beleaguered Meru governor Kawira deny all charges as MCAs makes a case for her ouster
The beleaguered Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza denied all the five charges levelled against her as the Meru County Assembly vehemently made a case for her ouster during the impeachment trial opening session before the Senator Boni Khalwale chaired Special Senate Committee yesterday.
Through Assembly lead counsel Muthomi Thiankolu, the Members of Meru County Assembly (MCAs) defended Kawira’s removal from office saying the move seek to forestall “unintended consequences of democracy” and “unmitigated disaster”.
Presenting evidence before the special committee, Thiankolu defended the assertion, saying the governor committed 62 violations of the Constitution and other laws contained in the five charges she is facing between September 6 and November 9, translating to at least a violation each day.
It was established on Tuesday last week after 33 Senators voted in favour of a special committee process against two who were for the whole House.
Among the key charges presented against Kawira include alleged cases of nepotism, illegal appointments, unlawful dismissals and usurpation of the constitutional and statutory functions of county organs including appointment of her husband, Murega Baichu, to county offices, and other roadside appointments.
The MCAs also accuse the governor of incitement, bullying, vilification and misleading campaigns against other leaders.
She also faces a barrage of alleged cases of forceful entry into the assembly precincts and mobilisation of unlawful riots against members of the assembly coupled by alleged violation of Public Finance Management Laws.
The MCAs have also heaped allegations of misconduct relating to nomination of County Executive Committee Members
If the committee finds that the reasons for the removal of the governor are weighty, then it will recommend the ejection of Kawira.
The committee has up to December 30 to deliver its findings.
The 11-member Special Committee will on the inaugural sitting discuss rules and procedures of determining the case as well as consider any preliminary issues.
“The removal of a governor from office is one of the most important roles of the Senate. We are cognisant of the gravity of this matter.” Khalwale said.
Today, the Senate Special Committee probing the grounds for the impeachment of Kawira Mwangaza will hold its second and final hearing.
The 11-member committee adjourned yesterday’s session at midnight and will start today’s hearing at 9.30am.
All 67 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) present during the impeachment session voted to remove her.
In her opening remarks yesterday, Kawira through her lawyer Elias Mutuma said she was a victim of blackmail.
