NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 7 – Besieged Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has pleaded not guilty to seven charges against her as the Senate impeachment trial against her kicked off.
The Meru County Boss is facing charges including misappropriation and misuse of county resources, nepotism and related unethical practices.
The Meru Governor faces accusations of illegal appointments, contempt of court, illegally naming a public road after her husband and contempt of the assembly.
Mwangaza is also accused of bullying, vilifying and demeaning other leaders, making illegal appointments and usurping statutory powers.
In particular, the Members of the County Assembly claim that Kawira embezzled county funds through the Governor’s relatives, withdrew county funds through false claims of payment for supplies and services rendered by the Governor’s relatives, despite being ineligible to tender for or supply goods to the county government.
In addition, the MCAs alleged that the embattled County Chief paid ‘‘full salaries and benefits’’ for over a year to four high-ranking County officials, despite not rendering any services to the County and diverted and misused County resources.
The Meru County Assembly lead Counsel Muthomi Thiankolu and Marias Maranya have the mandate to convince senators why the embattled governor should be impeached.
Mwangaza has listed a battery of lawyers to defend her during the process.
According to the list of lawyers sent to the Senate, Mwangaza will be represented by lawyers Elisha Ongoya, Elias Mutuma, Duncan Okubasu, Robert Mutembei, Bridah Kimathi and Batista Muirigi.
Others are Antony Mwenda, Collins Mwenda and their assistant Brainlee Maingi.
The MCAs has laid a list of witness who will substantiate the accusations against the Governor.
At least 24 elected senators will be required to vote in favour of the motion to uphold the governor’s ouster from office.
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