Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza likens herself to the President, declines MCAs summon for second time

Meru County Governor Kawira Mwangaza and county officials have declined summons to appear before the Meru County Assembly for the second time today where they were expected to address the ongoing conflict involving Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma M'ethingia.

In a letter to the county assembly speaker, Governor Mwangaza likened herself to the president in her defense, citing legal provisions that protect the president from appearing in parliament to address issues, except during impeachment proceedings and parliamentary speeches.

The County Assembly's Law and Justice Committee expressed disappointment with the governor's response, emphasizing that the constitution and parliamentary laws allow them to invite individuals to the county assembly to address complex matters. 

As a result, the committee stated that they were unable to proceed with their report without the governor's input.

“In the theme of justice, if one is accused it’s only fair enough for one to come and testify or to come and witness. So we had invited her today as a witness. We invited her last week but one and unfortunately she was not able to appear,” said Gacheri Muthuri the chairperson of the Sectoral Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs, and Cohesion.

Meru County Assembly Majority Whip, Jim Muchui added: “One of the questions we were asked at the senate last time was why didn't we invite the governor so that now she can answer the allegations before the senate. We want today to thank the governor of Meru and her advisors. Out of the challenges faced in the Senate they have at least helped us address one of them.” 

MCAs have already threatened to table yet another impeachment motion against the embattled Governor who survived an ouster attempt at the Senate on December 30, 2022.

Last month, she dared the Members of the County Assembly to bring on a planned impeachment motion for a second time reiterating that the plot by the MCAs to oust her will once again fail as they have no grounds. 

While dismissing the motion as 'politically sponsored Kawira asked them to do their homework first before tabling an impeachment motion.