By: Midmark Onsongo
Worth Noting:
- Among the MCAs, some names stood out for their vocal criticism of Mwangaza. For instance, the MCA for Abothuguchi Central Ward, a seasoned politician with years of experience, did not mince words when he accused Mwangaza of turning the governor’s office into her personal fiefdom. He was joined by his counterpart from Tigania West, who pointed to specific instances of abuse of office, including alleged favoritism in the awarding of contracts and the misuse of public funds.
- But it wasn’t just the MCAs from the more affluent wards who had issues with Mwangaza. MCAs from the less developed regions of Meru, such as Imenti North and Buuri East, were equally vocal in their criticism.
In the early hours of last Wednesday, the Senate chambers in Nairobi were abuzz with anticipation. It was the day Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza would face her political fate once again. The drama that unfolded was not only a testament to the precarious nature of political power but also a reflection of the intense scrutiny and pressure that has surrounded Mwangaza since her ascent to office. For the third time, the corridors of power echoed with discussions of her impeachment, a saga that has now defined her tenure as governor.
Kawira Mwangaza’s political career has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Her tenure has been marked by resilience, controversy, and a relentless determination to hold onto power, despite the numerous challenges thrown her way. The MCAs of Meru County, representing various wards, have been at the forefront of this political tug-of-war, making it clear that they were not ready to back down in their quest to remove her from office.
The Senate’s decision to uphold her impeachment was the culmination of a long and bitter battle. The MCAs had accused Mwangaza of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violations of the constitution. These charges were not new; they had been brewing for months, with tensions reaching a boiling point in the last few weeks. The MCAs, representing the interests of their constituents, had grown increasingly frustrated with what they saw as Mwangaza’s high-handedness, lack of accountability, and disregard for the rule of law.
The list of MCAs who spearheaded the impeachment motion reads like a who’s who of Meru County politics. From Abogeta West Ward to Athwana Ward, each MCA brought forth grievances from their respective areas, painting a picture of a governor who had lost touch with the people she was elected to serve. These MCAs were not just representatives; they were the voice of the people, and they made it clear that they were not going to be silenced.
Among the MCAs, some names stood out for their vocal criticism of Mwangaza. For instance, the MCA for Abothuguchi Central Ward, a seasoned politician with years of experience, did not mince words when he accused Mwangaza of turning the governor’s office into her personal fiefdom. He was joined by his counterpart from Tigania West, who pointed to specific instances of abuse of office, including alleged favoritism in the awarding of contracts and the misuse of public funds.
But it wasn’t just the MCAs from the more affluent wards who had issues with Mwangaza. MCAs from the less developed regions of Meru, such as Imenti North and Buuri East, were equally vocal in their criticism. They highlighted the growing economic disparities in the county, accusing Mwangaza of neglecting their areas in favor of her strongholds. This was a governor, they argued, who had failed to deliver on her promises of equitable development.
As the Senate deliberated on the charges against Mwangaza, the atmosphere inside the chambers was tense. Senators listened intently as evidence was presented, including testimonies from disgruntled county employees, financial records, and reports from independent oversight bodies. It was clear that the case against Mwangaza was strong, but the governor remained defiant, insisting that the charges were politically motivated and part of a larger conspiracy to bring her down.
Outside the Senate, the drama continued. A crowd had gathered, a mix of supporters and opponents, all eager to see how the day’s events would unfold. Among them was the mother of Daniel Muthiani, the slain political activist and blogger known as ‘Sniper.’ Her presence added a poignant reminder of the human cost of political battles. As she wailed outside the Senate chambers, it was clear that this was not just a political issue but a deeply personal one for many in Meru County.
Inside, the vote was finally taken. On the first charge of gross misconduct and violation of the law, 26 senators voted ‘yes,’ four voted ‘no,’ and 14 abstained. On the second charge of gross misconduct, 26 senators voted ‘yes,’ two voted ‘no,’ and 14 abstained. On the third charge of abuse of office, 27 senators voted ‘yes,’ one voted ‘no,’ and 14 abstained. The numbers were clear: Kawira Mwangaza had been impeached.
As the vote was announced, the reality of the situation began to sink in. Mwangaza, who had arrived at the Senate with her usual entourage of bodyguards, now found herself in a very different position. The once-defiant governor, who had faced down impeachment attempts before, was now just another politician who had fallen from grace. Her bodyguards, who had been a symbol of her power and authority, were no longer necessary. As she left the Senate, she did so as an ordinary citizen, stripped of the trappings of office that had once defined her.
For the people of Meru, the question now is what comes next. With Mwangaza’s impeachment, the deputy governor, Mutuma M’Ethingia, is set to take over as county governor for the remainder of the term. M’Ethingia, who has largely stayed out of the limelight, now faces the daunting task of healing the divisions in the county and restoring faith in the county government.
But even as M’Ethingia prepares to step into the governor’s shoes, the shadow of Mwangaza’s tenure will loom large. Her supporters, who remain loyal despite the impeachment, are likely to continue their fight, whether in the courts or on the streets. Meanwhile, her opponents will be watching closely to ensure that the new governor does not repeat the mistakes of the past.
In Meru, the political landscape has been irrevocably changed by Mwangaza’s impeachment. It is a reminder that in politics, power can be fleeting, and the same people who elevate a leader to power can just as quickly bring them down. For Mwangaza, the journey from governor to ordinary citizen has been a humbling one, marked by controversy, defiance, and ultimately, defeat.
As she left the Senate on that fateful day, Kawira Mwangaza might have reflected on the highs and lows of her political career. She had survived impeachment twice before, but this time was different. This time, the weight of the evidence and the resolve of her opponents proved too much. The people of Meru, through their representatives, had spoken, and they had made it clear that they wanted a change.
What next for Kawira Mwangaza? Only time will tell. But for now, she is a cautionary tale in the annals of Kenyan politics, a reminder that even the most powerful can fall, and when they do, they do so spectacularly. The bodyguards who once flanked her are gone, the office she once occupied now belongs to someone else, and the future of Meru County is uncertain. As the dust settles, the people of Meru will be looking to their new leader to guide them through the turbulent times ahead, hoping that this time, their trust will not be misplaced.
This article was scripted by;
MIDMARK ONSONGO
(Sustainable Economist, Geo-Politics strategizer)
