MERU, Kenya – A new impeachment motion has been introduced against Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, marking the third attempt to remove the first-term governor from office.
The motion, tabled on Wednesday by Meru County Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Zipporah Kinya, accuses Governor Mwangaza of gross violations of the Constitution, abuse of office, and breaches of national and county laws.
“Public petitions, including Petition No. 5 of 2023 signed by 1,611 residents, have been presented to the county assembly,” said Kinya. “Despite numerous reconciliation efforts, the issues raised by the public and members of the county assembly remain unresolved, prompting this new motion.”
Kinya highlighted that Governor Mwangaza’s continued tenure has hindered efficient service delivery and tarnished the reputations of the county offices and its leadership.
“The assembly, under Article 181 of the Constitution, Section 33 of the County Governments Act, and Standing Order No. 65, resolves to impeach the governor,” Kinya declared.
This marks the third impeachment motion against Governor Mwangaza. The first, initiated in December 2022, was overturned by the Senate due to insufficient evidence.
The second attempt, in October 2023, also failed after the Senate dismissed the accusations.
Past accusations against Governor Mwangaza include misappropriation of county resources, nepotism, unethical conduct, illegal appointments, contempt of court, and the unauthorized naming of a public road after her husband.
Despite these serious charges, the Senate has twice cleared Mwangaza, citing a lack of compelling evidence.
In the latest motion, 64 out of 69 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) signed in favor, surpassing the threshold needed to proceed.
Speaker Ayub Bundi confirmed the process met all legal requirements, allowing the debate to continue despite attempts by Mwangaza’s legal team to halt proceedings on technical grounds.
