Kawira Mwangaza says she is ready for dissolution of Meru County Government

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and her husband Murega Baichu at Parliament Buildings after she survived impeachment, November 8, 2023.[Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza now says she is ready for the dissolution of the County Government.

This follows a petition by 22 Meru residents to initiate impeachment against the County Executive Committee (CECs), County Secretary and the Chief of Staff in the county.

In documents seen by The Standard, the residents levelled accusations against the said officials including interference of county health facilities, use of derogatory remarks against Deputy Governor Mutuma M'Ethingia among others.

Mwangaza, in an interview with Muuga FM on Thursday, November 16, said she would support the idea by organisations planning to collect signatures with an aim of dissolving the county government.

"If dissolution is how Meru residents will get help, I will support them," she said.

Additionally, Mwangaza stated that she had been diligent with her service to Meru residents despite the challenges she had endured since her election.

"I'm the only governor who has been impeached two times in a time span of one year. If we were to go back to the ballot, I am sure Meru residents would vote for me," said Mwangaza.

According to Article 192 of the Constitution, the President may suspend a county government in the case of an emergency arising out of internal conflict or war or in any other exceptional circumstances.

"A county government shall not be suspended under clause (1) (b) unless an independent commission of inquiry has investigated allegations against the county government, the President is satisfied that the allegations are justified and the Senate has authorised the suspension."

The Meru County boss' sentiments come a week after she survived an impeachment motion for the second time in less than one year.

The governor had been accused of among other issues, the misappropriation and misuse of county resources, nepotism and related unethical practices, bullying, vilification and demeaning of other leaders, illegal appointments and usurpation of statutory powers, contempt of court, illegally naming a public road after her husband and contempt against the county assembly.