What Next for Meru County After Senate Impeaches Kawira Mwangaza
The Senate affirmed the impeachment of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza on Tuesday, August 20, officially ending her leadership role as the county’s chief executive.
The decision followed a Senate vote, with Speaker Amason Kingi confirming the results.
“Following Article 181 of the Constitution, Section 33 of the County Government Act, and Standing Order 86 of the Senate Standing Orders, the Senate has resolved to impeach Hon. Kawira Mwangaza, the Governor of Meru County, effectively removing her from office,” Speaker Kingi declared after the vote.
Governor Mwangaza’s removal initiates a series of constitutional processes under Kenya’s governance structure.
According to the Constitution, Meru Deputy Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia will step in as county governor for the remainder of the term.
The Constitution outlines a clear procedure for such transitions.
If a vacancy arises in the office of county governor, the deputy governor automatically assumes the role for the remainder of the term.
Per Article 182(3) of the Constitution, if the deputy governor takes office with more than two and a half years remaining before the next scheduled election, they are considered to have served a full term as county governor.
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If both the governor and deputy governor positions are vacant, or if the deputy governor cannot serve, the Speaker of the county assembly is required to act as county governor.
In that event, a county governor election must be held within sixty days of the Speaker assuming office.
With the Senate’s decision now conclusive, focus shifts to Deputy Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia as he prepares to lead Meru County.
His performance will be under scrutiny as he navigates both opportunities and challenges, particularly in his interactions with Senators.
Per constitutional guidelines, unless removed from office, he will serve as governor until the next election, as outlined in Article 180(1).
This leadership change ushers in a new era for Meru County, with the incoming governor expected to address the pressing issues that led to his predecessor’s impeachment while guiding the county through the rest of the term.
What Next for Meru County After Senate Impeaches Kawira Mwangaza
