As President William Ruto prepares for his highly publicised visit to the Mount Kenya region, impeached Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has launched a scathing attack on his administration, accusing him of playing a key role in her removal from office.
Mwangaza, who had aligned herself with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) during her impeachment and legal battles, has now publicly distanced herself from the party. She claims that the President was instrumental in her impeachment, suggesting that his administration prioritised her ousting over development initiatives in the region.
Over the past week, Mwangaza has alleged that the only successful project President Ruto has completed in Meru is her removal from office.
Political analysts argue that Ruto, alongside his then-deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, initially brokered a deal with Meru Members of County Assembly (MCAs) to shield Mwangaza from impeachment. This intervention temporarily thwarted the attempt as MCAs abandoned the motion.
However, a faction of Meru politicians, some allied with Ruto, later pushed for her removal. During the second impeachment attempt, sources indicate that Ruto initially distanced himself from the process, and the Senate intervened to prevent her removal at the time. Reports suggest that it was Gachagua who lobbied senators to safeguard Mwangaza.
However, after Mwangaza survived the initial impeachment process, political tensions in Meru escalated. Ruto’s allies, sensing shifting political dynamics, reportedly regrouped and renewed efforts to remove her. This coincided with a growing rift between Ruto and Gachagua, during which Mwangaza became aware of plans by some of Ruto’s associates to unseat her.
A prevailing narrative suggests that senior political figures from Meru, including former Governor Kiraitu Murungi, pressured Ruto to support Mwangaza’s removal, warning that his influence in the region would suffer if he failed to act. Initially hesitant, Ruto reportedly gave in to this pressure, allowing the impeachment process to proceed. The motion was passed by the county assembly, upheld by the Senate in a subsequent hearing, and later confirmed by the courts.
Mwangaza’s open confrontation with Ruto is being interpreted as a call to Meru residents to boycott his upcoming visit. However, the effectiveness of her mobilisation efforts remains to be seen.
In a recent television interview, Kiraitu admitted to playing a role in advocating for Mwangaza’s removal. Political observers in Meru suggest that he is now actively strategising for a political comeback in 2027.
Meanwhile, former Governor Peter Munya is reportedly engaging in behind-the-scenes political manoeuvres, potentially positioning himself for a rematch against Kiraitu, who unseated him after just one term.
As political tensions in Meru continue to escalate, Ruto’s upcoming visit will serve as a crucial test of his influence in the region and the impact of Mwangaza’s defiance.
