Mwangaza vows comeback, claims she was 'sacrificed'

Impeached Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza addressing the media on March 19,2025.[Phares Mutembei, Standard] Ousted Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza now says running as an independent candidate put her at a disadvantage and ultimately led to her impeachment. "I had no resources but the people believed in my vision to free them from political servitude, poverty and other challenges. Their votes were not in vain, and the development projects they can see are a testament," she said. Mwangaza argued that with President William Ruto's UDA and former Governor Kiraitu Murungi's influence over the County Assembly, she stood no chance of avoiding removal. "I was ejected because I had no political party," she said. She claimed her opponents had united against her after she refused to allow Meru leaders to interfere with her administration. "I was removed because I refused to be a puppet governor," said Mwangaza on Wednesday, March 19. The impeached governor vowed not to be silenced or intimidated as she fights to defend her rights. She accused a group of powerful elected leaders, including MPs, of orchestrating her impeachment. As she seeks legal redress, Mwangaza said she plans to mobilise public protests against her removal. She insisted that gender bias and abuse of power played a role in her impeachment, arguing that her political adversaries used unconstitutional means to remove her from office. "My opponents, fearing a contest against me in 2027, panicked and resorted to an unfair impeachment process," she said. "The people of Meru deserve leaders who will serve them with honesty and dedication, not those who are beholden to the interests of a select few. I am exploring all the legal and constitutional avenues to challenge this injustice". She vowed not to retreat despite efforts to sideline her. "I will continue to engage with the Meru people to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met. I thank the countless supporters who have stood with me in this difficult time," she said, adding that she will emerge stronger. Mwangaza further claimed that Meru leaders pressured the Kenya Kwanza administration to withdraw its support for her in exchange for their political backing. She pointed to growing discontent among residents, accusing local leaders of using that frustration to blackmail the national government. "If there is unrest in a home, does the father sacrifice one child to restore peace? How do you sacrifice an innocent person to appease others?" she asked. "I was sacrificed. It is sad. No father should abandon one child just because others are making noise. That's what happened in Meru. To those who destroy others' dreams, especially women's, I don't think God will forgive you." "I am firm in my belief that this impeachment was not about accountability, but about perpetuating a culture of male dominance in leadership. It is a sad reality that in 2025, women leaders are still subjected to systematic discrimination, harassment, and exclusion," she added. With her voice breaking, Mwangaza expressed hope that she would clear her name. Starting next week, Mwangaza plans to launch grassroots rallies to advocate for new leadership in Meru. "We will hold public forums in every ward so people can choose leaders who truly represent them. Those who think they've silenced me should know they've actually given me a microphone and empowered me to resist bad leadership. We must achieve political and socio-economic freedom in this county," said Mwangaza. "I will not be intimidated. I will defend the rights of the people of Meru, and very soon, we will declare the way forward," she said, revealing plans to launch a new political party. However, Meru Parliamentary Group Chairman Mugambi Rindikiri, the Buuri MP, dismissed Mwangaza's claims that lawmakers lobbied national leaders to remove her. "Ask her whether she understands the difference between MCAs, senators, and MPs," Rindikiri said. In his ruling last week, Justice Bahati Mwamuye dismissed a petition filed to challenge Mwangaza's ouster for lack of merit. "The amended petition dated December 23, 2024 has not met the required legal threshold for this court to disturb the decision of the senate," said Mwamuye.

Mwangaza vows comeback, claims she was 'sacrificed'

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Mwangaza vows comeback, claims she was 'sacrificed'

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