Mwangaza had invited all MCAs to her residence for a meeting to discuss the progress of development initiatives in the county. However, the invitation has only served to widen the existing chasm, with several MCAs accusing the governor of using the forum to legitimize her leadership following her controversial impeachment. While she sought to foster reconciliation, the MCAs had other ideas
Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza found herself embroiled in another political controversy on Thursday as a significant number of County Assembly Members (MCAs) boycotted her development forum held at her residence. This incident highlights the ongoing and widening rift between the governor and the county assembly, a conflict that has overshadowed her administration since her impeachment proceedings earlier this year.
In a bid to foster reconciliation, Mwangaza had invited all MCAs to her residence for a meeting to discuss the progress of development initiatives in the county. However, this invitation has only served to widen the existing chasm, with several MCAs accusing the governor of using the forum as a means to legitimize her leadership following her controversial impeachment.
Tensions Mount After Impeachment
Governor Mwangaza remains in office only due to a conservatory order issued by the courts, preventing her immediate removal despite being ousted by the assembly. She is awaiting a final court ruling on her political fate, with a decision expected in April 2024. In December, Justice Bahati Mwamuye extended the conservatory orders for three more months, giving Mwangaza time to address her petition.
Mwangaza’s impeachment followed a vote in which 49 of the 69 MCAs supported her removal, and those MCAs remain steadfast in their decision. The ongoing tension between the executive and the assembly has effectively stalled the implementation of several key development projects, further complicating her governance.
MCAs Reject Forum, Citing Legitimacy Concerns
Despite the governor’s efforts to mend fences, the MCAs have consistently refused to engage with her. Deputy Speaker of the Meru County Assembly, Mwenda Ali, stated unequivocally that none of the 49 MCAs who voted for her impeachment would participate in the forum. Ali emphasized that the assembly had carried out its constitutional duty by removing Mwangaza from office due to her alleged failure to perform her duties effectively.
Nominated MCA Kiriinya Mwenda expressed strong opposition to the forum, calling it an attempt to reverse the impeachment. “Attending this meeting would amount to endorsing corruption, embezzlement, and the mismanagement of county resources—precisely the reasons for the governor’s impeachment,” Mwenda said. He added that he would not be part of any gatherings at Mwangaza’s residence, which he believed would only serve to legitimize her leadership.
Similarly, Ntima West MCA Patrick Ntururu criticized the governor’s invitation, accusing her of trying to create a false narrative of legitimacy. “The governor should focus on finalizing the projects that have been pending since 2022,” Ntururu stated, also noting that Mwangaza had deliberately withheld information requested by the assembly on several occasions.
Mwangaza’s Supporters Call for Collaboration
Despite the mounting opposition, Mwangaza’s supporters have urged the MCAs to attend the forum, stressing the importance of collaboration in driving the county’s development forward. Mwangaza herself emphasized that the primary aim of the forum is to discuss key development issues and ensure their swift and effective execution for the benefit of Meru residents.
The governor sent out formal invitation letters to the Assembly Speaker and personally reached out to the MCAs, hoping to overcome the political gridlock. However, with the assembly still divided and some MCAs outright rejecting her calls for dialogue, the path to resolving the impasse remains unclear.
As the political standoff continues, the future of Meru County’s development agenda hangs in the balance, with both sides digging in their heels. The outcome of this dispute may ultimately hinge on the courts, which are set to make a final ruling on Mwangaza’s impeachment in April.
