Because I'm a woman: Mwangaza blames her impeachment on gender

In a statement posted online, Mwangaza claimed that she faced relentless battles from her detractors who refused to accept women in leadership. 

She added that her impeachment was not a reflection of the people's will but a calculated move made by her competitors who liaised with the National Government to guarantee her exit. 

"Today, I, break my silence to address the grave injustices I have faced as a woman leader in a deeply patriarchal society," she noted. 

"My impeachment was not a reflection of my performance or integrity but a calculated move by male chauvinists, political competitors, and for political expediency, a complicit National Government willing to silence a woman who dared to lead."

The former governor referenced how her opposers were beaming with pride during the swearing-in ceremony of new governor Isaac Mutuma, indicating that the entire process was meant to rubberstamp male dominance in the leadership of Meru County. 

"It is a sad reality that in 2025, women leaders are still subjected to systemic discrimination, harassment, and exclusion. My case is a stark reminder of the barriers women face in politics and the lengths to which some will go to maintain the status quo," she added. 

While revealing the way forward, Mwangaza vowed to explore all legal options plausible to get the justice that, she deems, was perpetrated against her. 

She also called on her supporters to hold all leaders accountable and demand transparency in governance. 

Since assuming office after edging out political bigwigs in the August 2022 elections, Mwangaza has been in squabbles with the Meru County Assembly which expressed dissatisfaction with her leadership style. 

The MCAs attempted to impeach her on three consecutive bids, with the former governor appealing each attempt to secure her stay in office.

It was lights out, however, for Mwangaza when the High Court recently upheld her impeachment and cited that the process was constitutional. 

“The amended petition dated December 23, 2024, has not met the required legal threshold for this court to disturb the decision of the Senate,” Judge Bahati Mwamuye said while dismissing Mwangaza's petition.