KAWIRA MWANGAZA: D-Day For Impeachment Hearing Of Meru Governor
Embattled Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, who pleaded not guilty to impeachment charges on Monday, will find out her fate on Tuesday when the Senate votes.
Speaking after the accusations were read to her as the Senate began its impeachment hearings, Mwangaza insisted she is not guilty.
“Not guilty,” she told a committee of the entire house hearing the case against her after the Meru County Assembly voted to remove her from office.
If the majority of senators vote to impeach Mwangaza, he will be removed from office.
She can, however, go to the High Court to fight for her life and obtain stay orders, allowing her to remain in office while seeking justice.
If the court declines to grant her an injunction, the governor will lose his lucrative position.
In this case, Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma will be sworn in to complete the remainder of his term.
However, if she wins the case later, even after the deputy has been sworn in, the court may order her to return to office.
The Impeachment Hearing resumes.
— Mzalendo (@MzalendoWatch) August 20, 2024
Follow the live session via this link: https://t.co/z6rmWIZNYJ#BungeLiveSEN. pic.twitter.com/PgZvrONWnb
If senators vote against the motion, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi will notify the Meru County Assembly speaker, and the governor will remain in office.
Any member of the County Assembly may only bring the same charges before the Assembly three months after the Senate votes against the impeachment.
Vacancy in the Office of the County Governor
Article 182 of the constitution outlines the procedure for filling a vacancy in the office of county governor.
When the Senate impeaches the governor, the deputy governor takes over as county governor.
The deputy governor will serve for the remaining term of the county governor.
However, if the deputy governor is unable to assume the governor’s office, the assembly speaker will serve as county governor.
Elections for the office of County Governor must be held within sixty days of the speaker taking office.
If the Senate rejects the governor’s impeachment charges, there will be no vacancy.
KAWIRA MWANGAZA: D-Day For Impeachment Hearing Of Meru Governor
