The Senate plenary today witnessed the commencement of the impeachment proceedings against Meru Governor, Hon. Kawira Mwangaza. The Senate Clerk read a litany of charges to Governor Kawira of which she pleaded not guilty. This marks her second impeachment trial in a year.

The crux of the impeachment rests on allegations levelled by Meru Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), who charge Governor Kawira with grave misconduct. The accusations encompass the misuse of county resources, nepotism, bullying, and unlawful appointments.

Prosecuting lawyers, representing the MCAs, contended that Governor Kawira channelled county funds to relatives, fraudulently claiming their services, while also compensating high-ranking non-performing officials. They further allege her predilection for nepotism, assigning unqualified relatives to county roles and international duties.

The charges extend to her defiance of legal directives, with accusations of making illegal appointments, including naming a road after her husband sans legal protocols, contravening the Constitution and the Meru County Honours and Awards Act of 2018. Her perceived disdain for the Assembly was underscored by her Chief of Staff's curt dismissal of a legislative summons.

In response, the governor's counsel robustly contested the allegations. The Senate, mostly silent and attentive, will continue to scrutinize the case tomorrow. With the hearing set to resume, the Senators' determination will ultimately decide the governor's fate – to either face impeachment or retain her position.