NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 1 – The Federation of Women Lawyers – Kenya (FIDA-K) has offered to represent embattled Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza during her impeachment hearing before the Senate.
In a letter to Mwangaza, the organisation’s chairperson Nancy Ikinu assured her that adequate representation will also be provided should the matter move to court.
She stated that FIDA was “extremely concerned by the ongoing attacks toward you as the Governor of Meru County.”
“In particular, we note that since your successful election in August 2022, you have faced two impeachments by Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).” she said.
“In line with out vision and mission as FIDA-K, we write you to offer you legal representation both before the Senate and the courts of law to ensure that you achieve justice in the matter.”
Mwangaza will have to face the Senate plenary after Kenya Kwanza Senators on Tuesday shot down a motion seeking to establish an 11-member panel to probe her impeachment.
Senators Aaron Cheryiout (Kericho), Samson Cherargei (Nandi), and Veronica Maina (Nominated) among others supported the plenary route to probe the allegations made against Governor Mwangaza citing that it would be transparent.
“I propose that we go the plenary way so that we listen, sit here calmly to understand what is the issue with Meru,” he said.
Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo said, “In the last two impeachments we have gone the committee way, it’s important also for the members who are new to understand how the process for plenary goes.”
Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina moved the motion on the establishment of the Special Committee noting that impeachment is a very painful process that requires a governor to be heard.
“Even though this is a political process, whenever we sit, we have the same powers as the High Court. I want to persuade this House to consider allowing these 11 members to hear the charges against the governor,” Ole Kina said.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi called for Senators to support the Motion citing that ‘the committee can give the people of Meru the justice they’re looking for.’
The members who had been selected to sit on the Committee are Boni Khalawale (Kakamega), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Karungo Thangwa (Kiambu), Esther Okenyuri (Nominated), Ali Roba (Mandera), Peris Tobiko (Nominated), Enock Wambua (Kitui), Abdul Haji (Garissa), Okiya Omtatah (Busia), Crystal Asike (Nominated) and Shakila Abdala (Nominated).
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi issued a communication from the Speaker of the County Assembly of Meru regarding the passage by the County Assembly of a motion for the removal from office by way of impeachment of Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
