Women lawyers offer Mwangaza free legal aid as her Senate impeachment hearing begins

The Federation of Women Lawyers (Fida-Kenya) has offered Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza free legal representation at her Senate hearing.

If the matter escalates to the courts, she will be represented by the legal organisation.

Chairperson Nancy Ikinu said Fida was ready to represent Ms Mwangaza, whose impeachment hearing is expected at the Senate this week.

Ms Ikinu said their vision was to promote women's individual and collective power to claim their rights in all spheres of life and was thus extending their assistance to Mwangaza, who was impeached by MCAs on October 25, on charges of nepotism and financial violations.

Ikinu said Fida has been at the forefront in advocating the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal Five, aimed at achieving gender equality and empowering women.

"It is against this background that Fida-Kenya is extremely concerned by the ongoing attacks towards you as the Governor of Meru County. In particular, we note that since your successful election in August 2022, you have faced two impeachments by MCAs," she said.

She said: "In line with our vision and mission as Fida-Kenya, we write to offer you legal representation, before the Senate and the courts of law, to ensure that you achieve justice in the matter."

Fida-Kenya's show of support for Mwangaza comes after some women leaders also defended Mwangaza, who was elected on an independent ticket.

They include Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo and Narok Woman Representative Rebecca Tonkei.

They criticised the move by MCAs to impeach Mwangaza.

Ms Mukami said it was sad that Mwangaza, the only governor elected on an independent ticket, was being fought based on her gender.

"She is being fought because she is a woman. When you listen to the reasons advanced for her impeachment, they are baseless," said the woman rep.

Ms Wamuchomba said she was saddened that Mwangaza was battling her second impeachment.

Some 59 MCAs out of 69 voted in support of the impeachment motion.

"I have worked with her in the National Assembly and know her as a hard worker. She goes to the grassroots to uplift the most vulnerable with blankets, farm inputs, cows, and building materials," she said.

Wamuchomba claimed some people who were uncomfortable with a woman as their governor could be behind attempts to send Mwangaza home.

"We have seen Governor Kawira being vilified for the last one year. We have seen her being insulted and her husband, Murega Baichu, being intimidated," she said.

Ms Odhiambo said what was happening in Meru was unfortunate.

She said they had hope that the senators will deliver a just outcome.

"We know that the Senate can deal with this issue effectively. Please, follow the law, but be mindful of the fact that as women leaders, higher standards are always placed upon us than that placed upon men. I stand with Mwangaza," said the MP.