By Salim Mutuma
Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has dared Meru MCAs to initiate her impeachment saying she was ready to defend herself and face off with the ward representatives up to the court.
She defended herself against nepotism claims saying she had worked with her sister as her personal aide for the last five years as a Woman Representative.
“What is wrong with having my sister as a bodyguard who is earning salary from the National Police Service?” she posed.
Besides earlier nepotism concerns raised by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission that also included appointing her husband Murega Baichu the Meru Youth Service Patron, a Meru resident and activist had petitioned the County Assembly to initiate Ms Mwangaza ouster over gross misconduct and abuse of office.
Salesio Thuranira cited in his petition irregular appointment of Francis Mugai as the County Revenue board General Manager,Mr Rufus Miriti as the County Secretary and delegation of Governor’s duties to her husband among the grounds the MCAs could use to impeach the Governor.
The husband of Governor Mwangaza’s personal aide is her official driver and her cousin is the county government spokesperson, the activist said in the petition.
But after appearing before EACC Friday, the Governor maintained that she will not be cowed by the MCAs who she claimed were demanding money from her.
“They can pass the motion and forward it to the Senate but I am ready to defend myself. I cannot go against the law to please some people,” she said.
The third Meru Governor had earlier sought an advisory on ward fund from the Controller of Budget over claims that the MCAs were demanding to manage the kitty allegations that the legislators have trashed.
She had in the letter claimed the MCAs had threatened to halt her administration if she failed to agree to their demands.
The Governor has allocated Sh25 million to each of the 45 Meru wards just like her predecessor Kiraitu Murungi.
The ongoing wrangling between the Governor and MCAs, residents say, could delay service delivery and deny them crucial development.
“Let them quickly iron out their differences and get back to work. We never elected them to engage in verbal attacks but to transform our lives,” Mr Dominic Mutethia, a Kiirua resident in Timau, said.
