A new impeachment motion has been introduced against Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, marking the third attempt to remove her from office during her first term. The motion was presented in the County Assembly on Wednesday by Deputy Majority Leader Zipporah Kinya.
The motion outlines three main allegations against the governor: gross violations of the Constitution, violations of national and county laws, and abuse of office. Kinya highlighted that public petitions, including one signed by 1,611 residents, have been submitted to the assembly, requesting action on these serious allegations.
Despite several attempts at reconciliation, efforts to resolve these issues have failed, leading to the introduction of the impeachment motion. Kinya asserted that the governor’s ongoing tenure has hindered effective service delivery in Meru County and tarnished the reputation of her office, the deputy governor’s office, and the assembly.
The assembly aims to impeach the governor under Article 181 of the Constitution, Section 33 of the County Governments Act, and Standing Order No. 65 of the Assembly’s procedures.
Mwangaza has faced impeachment twice before but was saved both times by the Senate, which found insufficient evidence for the accusations. Her first impeachment occurred in December 2022, just three months after taking office, and was overturned shortly thereafter. A second attempt in October 2023 accused her of misappropriation, nepotism, and other unethical actions.
The motion garnered strong support, with 59 of the ward representatives present in favor, while only 10 opposed it. Attempts by the governor’s legal team to halt the debate on procedural grounds were dismissed, with Speaker Ayub Bundi confirming that the motion met the necessary threshold to proceed.
