Meru MCAs bid to make history this week by sacking Governor Mwangaza

Governor Kawira Mwangaza. [File, Standard]

Meru MCAs have drawn the battle lines as they prepare to impeach Governor Kawira Mwangaza as members of the public present their views on the process.

The public participation forums will be held in nine sub-counties to allow residents to give their views.

MCAs are widely expected to debate the impeachment motion on Wednesday, but it is a forgone conclusion they want her out based on their actions.

At least 12 Meru MPs alongside Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi and buoyed by the support of the revered Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders, the MCAs are confident they will succeed in their mission this time.

Though the MCAs' impeachment of Mwangaza was overturned by the Senate a few months ago, the sour relationship between her and the ward reps was on the mend until new differences emerged.

Last year it was Abogeta West MCA and Minority Whip Dennis 'DMK' Kiogora who led 68 MCAs baying for Mwangaza's blood, with only one, Kiagu Ward's Kiambi Ngaruni, opposing it.

On the impeachment day, Nkomo Ward MCA Kihinji Ethaiba, who was supporting it, was absent and sick while Mr Ngaruni stayed away from the Assembly.

Mr Kiogora who sponsored the motion and cited nepotism, the appointment of Mwangaza's husband Baichu Murega, the 'Meru Hustlers Ambassador', unlawful sackings, usurpation of duties, incitement, vilification, entering the assembly by force, violation of public finance laws and other charges.

This time around, it is Majority Leader Evans Mawira (Mitunguu), who has gone to the Assembly on seven counts, among them bypassing the Assembly on some appointments, naming a public road after her husband and failing to honour summons.

Mawira is banking on the hope that two-thirds of the 69 MCAs will support him, but there is little to suggest he might end up disappointed as a vast majority have been vocal in their support for the motion.

Just like last year, the Governor has linked her troubles to the 2027 Governor's election and politicians, who she said are sponsoring the bid to eject her.

His allies and other interest groups have waded into the matter, and a section of Njuri Ncheke elders have come out to defend her.

And so are some residents who have filed a petition to block public participation forums scheduled for tomorrow (October 23), citing the exclusion of some sub-counties.

By impeaching Kawira days before Christmas last year, they managed what the first and second assemblies did not achieve.

Though first governor Peter Munya and his successor Kiraitu Murungi had their tiffs with the MCAs they were never impeached.

Governor Mwangaza has only been there for the inaugural address to the Assembly in October last year, but she addressed empty chambers after all MCAs walked out on her.

Justifying her then impeachment MCAs led by Speaker Ayub Bundi said she had walked in unprocedurally as she had not paid a courtesy call to the Clerk and the Speaker.

Political pundits Oscar Mutugi and Caleb Muriuki were of diverse views on likely scenarios as the Mwangaza-ward reps feud reached a crescendo.

"The Executive and Assembly are like Siamese twins, joined at the hip. They may not necessarily like one another, but inseparably stuck with one another. The County Assembly, with its legislative and oversight powers, can facilitate or hamper the delivery of a Governor's political agenda. They can also be the first step towards sending a Governor home, as seen in both Kiambu with Waititu and Nairobi with Sonko," said Mutugi.

Mwangaza appears to have underestimated that reality, he opined.

Mutugi avers that while both Munya and Kiraitu had their run-ins with their respective county assemblies, they employed a blend of wit, experience and political party backing to steady their political ships and see out their terms.

"Mwangaza had the opportunity after the stillbirth first impeachment to realize that the County Assembly is a key cog in the impeachment puzzle and engineer a working relationship with MCAs, but has either failed or refused to take it," he stated.

Mr Muriuki said: "The political battalion that has ganged up against Mwangaza is overwhelming, and it would be a miracle if Mwangaza survives. But she has survived many times before and it might just happen against her. You underestimate her potential to humble her political enemies at your risk".