Kawira Mwangaza: Senators Uphold Impeachment Of Meru Governor By MCAs

• Kawira Mwangaza faced accusations of office abuse, constitutional violations, and gross misconduct
• A significant majority of senators voted for her impeachment, with less than five supporting her on each count
• Her deputy, Isaac Mutumu M' Ethingia, will assume office for the remainder of her term, as mandated by the Constitution

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Nairobi - The Senate has upheld the impeachment of Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza, as decided by the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).

The MCAs had accused Mwangaza of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and gross violation of the Constitution and other laws.

Why Senate upheld Mwangaza's impeachment

In the early hours of Wednesday, August 21, the Senate concluded their deliberations, with a majority of the leaders finding Mwangaza guilty on all counts.

Over 90% of the votes cast were in favour of her impeachment.

"The Senate has tonight voted to uphold the decision of the County Assembly of Meru to remove from office by way of impeachment, the governor of Meru county, Hon Kawira Mwangaza.

Senators voted in support of the three charges namely: Gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, gross misconduct, and abuse of office. Consequently, Hon Mwangaza ceases to hold office," said Speaker Amason Kingi.

However, the process was not without controversy. Some senators criticised Kingi for not allowing sufficient time for voting, particularly for those attending the sessions virtually.

Mutuma M' Ethingia, Mwangaza's deputy, will become the fourth governor of Meru, as stipulated in the Constitution.

How senators voted to impeach Kawira Mwangaza

In the first accusation of gross misconduct and legal violation, 26 senators voted 'yes,' four voted 'no,' and 14 abstained.

In the second accusation of gross misconduct, 26 voted 'yes,' two voted 'no,' and 14 abstained.

For the third accusation of abuse of office, 27 senators voted 'yes,' one voted 'no,' and 14 did not vote.

What you need to know about Kawira Mwangaza's impeachment

• Celebrations erupted in some parts of Meru county after the Senate upheld her impeachment by MCAs
• Her impeachment trial was temporarily halted after a woman wailed bitterly in the building
• The embattled Kawira Mwangaza turned biblical ahead of her impeachment

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.