Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza is not yet off the hook.
A section of MCAs followed through on their threat by tabling a motion before the House on Tuesday, containing seven allegations against the county chief.
The motion, which comprises seven allegations, also addresses her working relationship with Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma.
This new impeachment motion comes barely a year after the Senate saved her from being removed from office.
In the document presented by Majority Leader Evans Mawira (UDA-Mitunguu), there are new grounds for impeachment compared to the previous ones rejected by the Senate.
Mawira listed seven counts on why they are seeking to remove her from office, with four of them being similar to the accusations made last year.
These include charges of nepotism, usurpation of roles belonging to the Meru County Public Service Board, contempt of the Assembly, inciting residents against other leaders, and making insulting remarks against them.
The representatives listed various accusations against the governor, claiming that she had grossly violated the Constitution and County Government Act in relation to the use of public resources and management.
One of the accusations against her is the alleged fraudulent inclusion of relatives on a foreign trip, misrepresenting them as a “technical team” for the purpose of travelling to China to inspect and certify cancer treatment equipment, even though the governor’s relatives were not medical professionals.
Mwangaza is also accused of bullying, vilifying, and demeaning other leaders, including her deputy.
“The governor’s continued stay in office had undermined effective service delivery and gravely hurt the interests of the people of the county. The Assembly resolved to impeach the Governor under Article 181 of the Constitution, section 33 of the County Governments Act, and Standing Order 65 of the Assembly,” Mawira said.
Mawira accused the governor of misappropriation and misuse of county resources, as well as related unethical practices.
She was accused of assigning diplomatic duties with diplomats and other engagements with dignitaries to unqualified individuals, as specified in the motion.
Mawira said the Constitution requires a State officer to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the honour of the nation and the dignity of the officer. However, he said Mwangaza failed to do so.
He said she was expected to make decisions without being influenced by nepotism, favouritism, or other improper motives, but she had not heeded the Senate’s advice to change her ways.
“The governor has, despite previous impeachment processes and warnings from the Senate, persisted in discreditable actions that individually and collectively constitute a gross violation of the Constitution, national and county laws, gross abuse of office, and gross misconduct,” he added.
The MCAs said these actions had brought national shame, scandal, embarrassment, and disgrace to the office of the governor, the office of the deputy governor, the assembly, its leadership, and the people of Meru.
“The environment in which the governor operates prevents her from being relied upon to work with the deputy governor, county government staff, MCAs, and other elected leaders.”
The motion listed members of the Governor’s family who they claim irregularly benefited from county resources.
pmutembei@standardmedia.co.ke
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