I am innocent, Kawira tells Senate committee

Meru County Governor Kawira Mwangaza arrives at the Senate chambers for the second day of her impeachment trial. [Elvis Ogina ,Standard] On a day of high drama, Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza appeared before the Senate Special Committee on her impeachment, defending herself against claims of wrongdoing. Mwangaza told the Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale-led committee that she had tried her best to ensure smooth running of the county. The governor, who was impeached by 67 out 69 MCAs, was at pains to explain why she was at loggerheads with local elected leaders barely four months after assuming office. "I am not guilty of any of the 62 grounds being raised to have me kicked out of office. I have tried my level best to serve the people of Meru who elected me," Mwangaza told the committee late last evening. At first, the governor indicated she would not be taking the stand to shed light on the 62 accusations levelled against her by MCAs but later changed her mind as senators raced against time to wind up the process that will make or break her political career. Earlier, Meru County Chief of Staff Harrison Gitonga said the governor had not made illegal appointments as alleged by MCAs. He said the governor's husband Murega Baichu was not a staff of the county government. He was, however, put to task by the committee for allegedly usurping the powers of the County Public Service Secretary. "I wrote to the Meru County Public Service Board seeking clarification on the alleged employment of Murega Baichu and I was informed that he was not an employee of the County Government," he said. Honorary job The Chief of Staff said the title bestowed upon Mr Baichu as Meru Hustlers Ambassador was honorary and given that the governor was running a programme dubbed Okolea while serving as Meru Woman Rep, she wanted someone conversant with it to be in charge hence the appointment of her husband. He told the committee that Baichu's role was not unique since spouses of other governors were also involved in various activities, citing former Governor Kiraitu Murungi who appointed his wife Priscillah to be the Patron of Twaweza Programme. Gitonga said Mwangaza appointed him Chief of Staff, Director of Communication, Political, Economic and Legal Advisors without having a reference with the County Public Service Board since she was legally allowed to do that. He denied allegations that the governor was a difficult person to work with, saying she had complied with the advise of her handlers and could not be blamed for the problems in Meru. "The governor initiated several programmes before assuming her current position. She has delegated them to the First Gentleman Murega Baichu," he said. Nominated Senator Peris Tobiko asked Gitonga to name who was the cause of problems in the county to which he responded that everyone was a problem. Dr Khalwale said that by Mwangaza agreeing to testify, she would strengthen her case rather than having the Chief of Staff represent her. "There are some issues that the governor is best placed to answer or explain which cannot be done by the Chief of Staff. This will strengthen her case," he said. Governor Mwangaza was accompanied by her husband dressed in a suit and his trademark hat and followed the proceedings from the public gallery in the Senate. Ready to speak The governor was pensive even as her advocate Manasseh Mwangi told the committee that she was ready to take the witness stand. Machakos Senator Kavindu Muthama wanted to know why the governor found it difficult to work with MCAs yet they have the grassroots network. "There is no way that the governor can deliver without working with Members of County Assembly while the ward reps will also not achieve their goals without working with the governor," said Ms Muthama. The Impeachment motion against Governor Mwangaza was filed by Abogeta Ward MCA Dennis Kiogora with 62 grounds of her removal raised. Chief of Staff Gitonga previously worked in the office of Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi and had shown interest in Abogeta Ward seat.

I am innocent, Kawira tells Senate committee

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I am innocent, Kawira tells Senate committee

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