Kawira Mwangaza Blames Ruto Officials For Her Impeachment

Mwangaza alleged that her impeachment was a result of her refusal to submit to political influencers

Kawira Mwangaza Blames Ruto Officials For Her Impeachment
Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza appearing before the Senate on August 19, 2024. /PARLIAMENT OF KENYA

Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has claimed that her impeachment was planned by government officials in President William Ruto's administration and her political rivals.

Speaking to the press on Tuesday evening, Mwangaza alleged that her impeachment was a result of her refusal to submit to political influencers who, she claimed, intended to exploit her position for their personal benefit.

She argued that her unwillingness to compromise her values made her a target of the current administration, insisting that her removal was not justified but rather a politically driven plot.

Mwangaza further condemned the impeachment process as fraudulent, asserting that it was mainly orchestrated by male politicians who manipulated the system to push her out.

Impeached Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza speaking during an address on July 17, 2024. /KAWIRA MWANGAZA

“My impeachment was not a reflection of my performance or integrity but a calculated move by male chauvinists, political competitors, and for political expediency, a complicit National Government willing to silence a woman who dared to lead.

“My removal was not a reflection of the will of the people but rather a calculated move by political competitors and the National Government, who sought to punish me for refusing to be politically manipulated,” she revealed.

She added, “During my tenure as Governor, I remained steadfast in my commitment to serving the people of Meru with integrity, transparency, and accountability.”

Criticizing the Kenya Kwanza government, the former governor accused the administration of interfering with due process, ensuring that the will of the Meru residents who elected her was disregarded.

Speaking at the press conference, Mwangaza pledged to explore all legal options to defend her reputation and reveal the injustices she claimed to have suffered.

She also urged Kenyans, civil society organizations, and the international community to support her in denouncing what she called a clear misuse of power by the current administration.

“In the coming days, I will be exploring all legal and constitutional avenues to challenge this injustice. I will also continue to engage with the people of Meru to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are met,” Mwangaza said.

“To the people of Meru County, I thank you for your unwavering support and belief in my leadership. Your voices matter, and I will continue to fight for the development and progress of our beloved county."

Mwangaza's sentiments came barely a day after her replacement, Isaac Mutuma, was sworn in as the new Meru Governor. The High Court had upheld her impeachment by the Senate.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye, in his ruling on Friday, March 14, upheld the Senate's decision, which validated her removal by the Meru County Assembly on the grounds of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and serious constitutional violations.

She was removed from office after 26 Senators supported her impeachment on charges of gross misconduct and constitutional violations. The Senate vote highlighted the significant challenge she faced in holding onto her position, with only four Senators backing her and 14 abstaining.

Notably, this marked the third attempt to impeach Mwangaza, who has previously been criticized for her inability to unify the Meru region during her two-year tenure.

Embattled Meru Governor, Kawira Mwangaza during her swearing-in on September 11, 2022. /KAWIRA MWANGAZA