Kawira Mwangaza to know fate today as Senate decides on impeachment

Embattled Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza during her impeachment hearing at the Senate Chambers. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza will learn her fate today during a special Senate session called to hear the verdict on her impeachment. The 11-member committee hearing Kawira's impeachment began its sittings on Monday. Mwangaza's triumphant year has come to a tumultuous end, and in the face of a possible impeachment, her sensational victory four months ago feels like a distant memory. She was the only woman elected governor as an independent candidate, defeating incumbent Kiraitu Murungi and Meru Senator Mithika Linturi. Mwangaza has made her case for staying in office over the last two days of the impeachment trial, despite a strong push by the Meru County Assembly to have her removed. Mwangaza, who is also a bishop at Baite Family Fellowship Church in Meru County, has looked to God for redemption and has quoted scripture on her social media platforms while defending herself on the Senate floor. Regardless of the Senate's decision - to impeach or not to impeach - Mwangaza has her work cut out for her in restoring a tarnished reputation. Mwangaza's leadership style was under scrutiny, as was her relationship with her husband and the nagging question of how much influence he has over the county. Members of the Senate Committee hearing her impeachment motion exposed some of her character traits, with some senators questioning her leadership style, fidelity to the law, and ability to remain calm and rational. The county assembly has proposed 62 grounds for removing the governor from office. The motion was almost unanimously supported by the assembly. Her lawyers said the governor is being held to a double standard, particularly in light of the role her husband, Murega Baichu, plays in the county. Other spouses, including those of previous Meru governors, have done more without the county assembly having to impeach the governors. Mwangaza was charged with the first count of nepotism, illegal appointments, unlawful dismissal, and usurpation of the constitution and statutory functions of county organs. The county assembly also accused her of inciting, bullying, vilifying, and misleading campaigns against other leaders. The third charge she faced was for forcibly entering assembly precincts and inciting unlawful riots against MCAs. The other two charges involved violations of Public Finance Management laws and misconduct in the nomination of county executive committee members. The governor has made no apologies for some of the wrongdoings she is accused of, including appointing members of her family to county positions. Mwangaza also said her husband's appointment as a patron for the youth in Meru county was not motivated by nepotism. His role was to provide moral and financial support, and he was never paid by the county. She explained why she has her sister working as her bodyguard. Her sister is a police officer, she claims, and Mwangaza has requested that she be transferred to her office as one of her bodyguards. Mwangaza's impeachment has splintered the assembly and divided residents and political leaders from both sides of the divide.

Kawira Mwangaza to know fate today as Senate decides on impeachment

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