Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza Impeached in Contentious Senate Session

In a dramatic late-night session, Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza was impeached after the Senate, led by Senators predominantly from the Kenya Kwanza coalition, confirmed all three charges against her.

Despite her efforts to survive a third impeachment motion, the Senate ultimately garnered enough support to remove her from office.

The first charge against Governor Kawira, involving gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, saw 26 Senators vote in favor of her removal, 4 against, and 14 abstaining. The second charge mirrored this outcome, with 26 Senators supporting the motion, 2 opposing, and 14 abstaining. On the third charge, which accused her of abuse of office, 27 Senators voted to confirm, while only 1 voted against, and 14 abstained.

“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,” announced Senate Speaker Amason Kingi following the decisive vote.

The session was marked by high tension and heated exchanges. Senators, emerging from a closed-door meeting, engaged in vocal debates and confrontations over procedural issues.

Majority Whip Bonnie Khalwale, one of the few who refrained from voting for Kawira’s removal, urged Speaker Kingi to address critical procedural concerns, referencing historical parliamentary figures like Martin Shikuku, Jean Marie Seroney, Chelagat Mutai, and JM Kariuki to strengthen his argument.

“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 Kingi dismissed Khalwale’s objections, cautioning him against further interruptions. “Don’t push me into throwing you out; take your seat,” the Speaker warned.

The session also descended into further chaos when Speaker Kingi ordered the removal of Nominated Senator Beth Syongo from the chamber.

This action sparked protests from female Senators, who decried the move as harassment, leading to dramatic scenes in the chamber.

Governor Kawira, who had fought vigorously to maintain her position during her short and tumultuous tenure, now faces the daunting prospect of turning to the courts if she wishes to continue serving the people of Meru.

Her impeachment marks a significant chapter in Meru’s political landscape, highlighting the intense power struggles and legal challenges that have defined her time in office.