As impeached Meru Governor Faith Kawira Mwangaza heads back to the Senate this morning, Meru voters will be watching keenly to see steps the house that defends devolution will take to deliver justice to the county.
Twice impeached by the County Assembly of Meru, she survived the first attempt. Observers are watching to see how she navigates a second attempt.
While the County Assembly impeaches, it is the Senate that tries and decides whether to uphold or dismiss the impeachment.
Last week, an attempt by Narok Senate Ledama Ole Kina and a section of the opposition Azimio Coalition senators to push the trial through a committee was defeated after a majority of the ruling Kenya Kwanza Coalition members favoured a plenary trial.
Impeachment upheld
There are two ways to conduct a Senate impeachment hearing in Kenya: either in the plenary or through a special committee.
In the past, the plenary has been considered the easier way to confirm impeachment. Both former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko and former Kiambu Governor Ferdinard Waititu were impeached in the plenary. Out of the seven impeachment cases at the Senate, only one, involving Wajir Governor Mohammed Abdi Mahmoud, tried by a committee, was upheld.
There has been intense lobbying ahead of the Kawira hearing at the Senate this afternoon.
“Asiye kuwa na wake ana Mungu… I stand with you my sister Gvn Kawira Mwangaza. It’s darkest before dawn. Look to the Hills from whence your help comes from.. There is God in Heaven,” posted Governor Anne Waiguru of Kirinyaga who once went through the impeachment process. She is also the governor’s club, Council of Governors, Chair.
From Nakuru, Governor Susan Kihika said a prayer for her colleague: “My dear sister Gov Kawira Mwangaza keep your head up and know that you are not alone. I stand with you. I Pray that your day comes when you overcome all these trials and come out stronger and a winner. May the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. It shall be well my sister!”
Seven charges
“Nasimama sana na Kawira Mwangaza. Vile katiba inasema, lazima mtu akuwe na gross violation of the constitution. Lakini ukiangalia Meru, kuna siasa imewekwa pale, siasa ya vigogo,”posted Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay County on her socials.
There are seven charges against Ms Mwangaza.
Charge 1: Misappropriation and Misuse of County Resources
Charge 2: Nepotism and Related Unethical Practices
Charge 3: Bullying, vilification and demeaning other leaders
Charge 4: Illegal appointments and usurpation of statutory powers
Charge 5: Contempt of Court
Charge 6: Illegally naming a public road after husband
Charge 7: Contempt of the Assembly
“As Senate, we will adhere to the Constitution and its principles, act rationally, impartially and without bias, be guided by that which is of evidentiary value to consequently deliver justice to the Governor, County Assembly and the people of Meru,” promised UDA nominated Senator, Esther Okenyuri.
The governor facing impeachment has been getting ready for the hearings. Her social media accounts have been neglected for the past two days.
The Governor will be represented by a team of nine lawyers as she faces off with MCAs in two-day hearings in the Senate.
The hearing begins today and will be concluded tomorrow with a vote. If a majority of the county delegations in the Senate vote to uphold the impeachment charge, the governor ceases to hold office. If the delegations vote to reject the impeachment charge, the Senate speaker shall notify the speaker of the respective County Assembly.
( READ, Impeachment process at senate ).
In the case of a Special Senate Committee of 11 members, if allegations are dismissed, there is no voting in the Senate.
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