Nairobi, Kenya – August 19, 2024: The Senate has officially commenced the impeachment hearing for Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, marking the third attempt to remove her from office. This critical session, held on Monday, August 19, began with the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and their legal representatives presenting their case against the governor.
The Senate, in a move to handle sensitive issues, retreated to a private session, away from media coverage. Sources confirmed that the MCAs who spearheaded the impeachment motion, along with their legal counsel, were the first to address the Senate.
A High-Stakes Legal Showdown
Governor Kawira Mwangaza's political fate has once again landed in the hands of the Senate plenary, following two previous attempts to impeach her. The first impeachment was deliberated by a Senate committee, while the second was handled by the full Senate plenary. This time, the process is expected to be equally contentious.
Governor Mwangaza, who has consistently fought off impeachment efforts, is represented by a seasoned legal team. Lawyers Elisha Ongoya and Elias Mutuma, both veterans of her previous impeachment defenses, are leading the charge. Mutuma, having defended Mwangaza in all three impeachment cases, is joined by Bridah Kimathi, Robert Mutembei, Edgar Busienga, and Collins Mwenda in forming a robust defense.
On the opposing side, the Meru County Assembly has revamped its legal strategy by engaging lawyer Ndegwa Njiru as their lead counsel. Njiru, known for his sharp legal acumen, heads a team that includes Mwangi Ndegwa, Mwirigi Eric Muriuki, Mwereru Boniface Mawira, Antony Mwenda, Ngure Benson Kinyua, Baptista Muriuki Kanyaru, and Linda Nkirote Kithinji. The MCAs sponsoring the impeachment motion, Zipporah Kinyua and Aurelio Murangiri Kiramana, are also expected to appear in person to bolster the assembly's case.
The Senate's Role in Deciding Mwangaza's Future
Monday's proceedings were primarily focused on the legal arguments presented by the County Assembly’s legal team. These advocates laid out the grounds for Mwangaza's impeachment, which include allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. The Assembly's case is critical as it seeks to convince the Senate that Governor Mwangaza is unfit to continue serving.
Governor Mwangaza and her defense team are scheduled to present their counterarguments on Tuesday, August 20. Her defense will aim to dismantle the accusations and demonstrate her adherence to the law and her commitment to serving Meru County.
The outcome of this impeachment process will have significant implications not only for Governor Mwangaza's political career but also for the governance of Meru County. The Senate's decision will be closely watched, as it reflects the balance between political accountability and the protection of elected officials from potentially unfounded accusations.
As the hearing progresses, all eyes remain on the Senate, which holds the decisive power in determining whether Governor Mwangaza will retain her position or be removed from office.
