Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza impeached in Tense Senate Showdown

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has been removed from office following a highly charged Senate session. The late-night vote, driven largely by Senators from the Kenya Kwanza coalition, saw all three charges against the embattled governor upheld, sealing her fate after two previous failed attempts at impeachment.

Governor Mwangaza had hoped to survive yet another impeachment motion, but this time, the government's push proved too strong. The Senate found her guilty on all counts, beginning with the charge of gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, which saw 26 Senators vote in favor, 4 against, and 14 abstain.

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza

The second charge, also endorsed by 26 Senators with 2 opposing and 14 abstaining, followed the same pattern. The final charge of abuse of office led to 27 Senators voting to confirm it, with only 1 opposing and 14 abstaining.

“The Senate has resolved to remove from office by impeachment Hon. Kawira Mwangaza, the Governor of Meru County, and the Governor accordingly ceases to hold office,” declared Speaker Amason Kingi following the decisive vote.

The Senate session was fraught with tension as Senators, emerging from a closed-door meeting, engaged in fiery exchanges and sharp disagreements over procedural matters.

In a notable moment, Majority Whip Bonnie Khalwale, one of the few who opposed the Governor's removal, challenged the Speaker on procedural grounds, invoking the memory of historical parliamentary figures to underscore his concerns.

Reflecting on the legacies of figures like Martin Shikuku, Jean Marie Seroney, Chelagat Mutai, and JM Kariuki, Khalwale urged the Speaker to address the sub judice nature of the case. “If Martin Shikuku were alive, Jean Marie Seroney, Chelagat Mutai, JM Kariuki—they would have wanted the Speaker to settle the important issue of matters in this case that are actively before the courts because they are sub judice,” he argued.

However, Speaker Kingi swiftly ruled him out of order, cautioning him to cease his objections. “Don’t push me into throwing you out; take your seat,” the Speaker warned.

Adding to the drama, the Speaker ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to eject Nominated Senator Beth Syongo from the chamber, a move that sparked protests from female Senators who decried the action as harassment.

Despite her vigorous defense, Governor Kawira Mwangaza's brief and tumultuous tenure as Meru Governor has come to an end. Her next battle likely lies in the courts, where she may seek to challenge her impeachment and continue serving the people of Meru.