The Meru County Assembly has decided to withdraw its impeachment motion against Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
The motion was officially withdrawn during an afternoon session by MCA Zipporah Kinya, who initially proposed it. The assembly members debated and then approved her request to withdraw the motion.
One of the primary reasons for withdrawing the motion was that it had passed its time limit. According to the rules, such a motion needs to be debated and sent to the Senate within ten days of its notice.
If this time frame is exceeded, the motion becomes void. Additionally, the withdrawal of the motion means that the ongoing court case regarding the impeachment is now irrelevant and will be dismissed.
The High Court in Meru had previously referred the impeachment motion to Njuri Ncheke, a council of elders, for alternative dispute resolution.
The court had ordered that Governor Mwangaza and her legal team appear before Njuri Ncheke on Wednesday, July 31. Njuri Ncheke was given three weeks from July 29 to submit their findings on the dispute, with a ruling expected by August 20.
However, Njuri Ncheke had declined to handle the notice of motion against Governor Mwangaza, stating that they do not deal with constitutional matters.
The Assembly's decision to stop the debate on the impeachment motion followed a High Court order that temporarily halted proceedings. Governor Mwangaza had filed a petition to challenge the impeachment motion, claiming that it was driven by her political opponents.
She argued that the motion was not based on valid grounds but was rather a politically motivated attempt to remove her from office.
The impeachment motion, filed by MCA Zipporah Kinya, accused Governor Mwangaza of several offenses, including gross violations of the Constitution, abuse of office, and misconduct.
Specific allegations included illegal appointments and dismissals of county officials, financial mismanagement, and misleading the public.
One notable accusation was the unlawful revocation of CPA Virginia Kawira Miriti's appointment as Secretary/CEO of the Meru County Public Service Board without proper authorization.
Despite the withdrawal, the situation remains tense. The Assembly members, including those who initially supported the motion, have the option to reintroduce the impeachment motion in the future since it did not reach the debate stage. This possibility keeps the political atmosphere in Meru County charged and uncertain.
Governor Mwangaza's tenure has been marked by controversy and conflict with the county assembly. The impeachment attempt reflects the deep divisions within the county's political landscape. The Governor's supporters argue that she is being unfairly targeted by her opponents, while her critics claim that she has failed to adhere to the law and has mismanaged the county's affairs.
The ongoing disputes have not only affected the county's political stability but also its development agenda. The frequent clashes between the Governor and the assembly have stalled many projects and initiatives that are crucial for the county's growth.
The residents of Meru are caught in the middle of this political tug-of-war, hoping for a resolution that will bring stability and progress to their county.
Governor Mwangaza has called for unity and cooperation among the county's leaders. She has urged the assembly members to put aside their political differences and work together for the benefit of the people of Meru.
The Governor has emphasized the need to focus on development projects and improving the lives of the residents rather than engaging in political battles.
On the other hand, the assembly members have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Governor's leadership style. They have accused her of being uncooperative and autocratic. The MCAs have called for more transparency and accountability in the county's administration. They have also demanded that the Governor respect the rule of law and follow due process in her actions.
The withdrawal of the impeachment motion provides a temporary reprieve for Governor Mwangaza. However, it also signals the need for a more sustainable solution to the ongoing political conflicts in Meru County.
The county's leaders must find a way to address their differences constructively and work towards common goals.
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