Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza impeached

Despite her hopes of surviving a third impeachment motion at the Senate, this time, Kawira fell short as the government rallied enough support to remove her from office.

On the first charge of gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, the Senate found Kawira guilty, with 26 Senators voting to confirm the charge, 4 voting against it, and 14 abstaining.

The second charge followed a similar pattern, with 26 Senators voting in favor, 2 opposing, and 14 abstaining. The third charge, abuse of office, saw 27 Senators voting to confirm the charge, 1 voting against it, 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,” Speaker Amason Kingi ruled after the voting.

The Senate session was marked by high tension, with Senators emerging from a closed-door session visibly charged, engaging in heated exchanges and shouting matches over points of order.

Majority Whip Bonnie Khalwale, one of the few who did not vote for the Governor's removal, challenged the Speaker to address certain procedural issues before proceeding with the vote, evoking historical parliamentary figures like Martin Shikuku, Jean Marie Seroney, Chelagat Mutai, and JM Kariuki to emphasize his point.

“I am reflecting on the history of Parliament. 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,” Khalwale argued.

However, Speaker Amason Kingi ruled him out of order, threatening to eject him from the chamber if he persisted. “Don’t push me into throwing you out; take your seat,” the Speaker ordered.

The session also saw drama when the Speaker instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove Nominated Senator Beth Syongo from the chamber. This order was met with resistance, as female Senators began wailing and protesting what they perceived as harassment by the orderlies.

Despite Kawira's spirited fight to retain her position during her brief and turbulent tenure as Meru Governor, it appears she will now have to take her battle to the courts if she wishes to continue serving the people of Meru.