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The Nairobian

Mwangaza resumes duty amid opponents' protest

National

By Phares Mutembei | Aug 23, 2024

**Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza during the impeachment hearing before the Senate Assembly on August 20, 2024** [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Embattled Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza resumed duty on Thursday amid calls by a section of MCAs to have Deputy Governor Isaac M’Ethingia sworn in.

The governor chaired a cabinet meeting after her lawyer Elias Mutuma submitted a petition against the Senate’s resolution to impeach her.

“This afternoon, I was delighted to meet with the cabinet to discuss and advance key initiatives that are aimed at addressing pressing issues within our county,” Ms Mwangaza said.

But MCAs led by Nominated UDA member Zipporah Kinya who moved the impeachment motion claimed that she should not be conducting official business after ouster by the assembly. "As supporters of the deputy governor we are calling for his swearing-in," Kinya said.

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Mwangaza's lawyer Mutuma wrote to Chief Justice Martha Koome, Chief Registry of Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya, Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma, County Police Commander Steve Oloo, to block any attempts to have M’Ethingia take over as governor.

Mutuma argued that Justice Bahati Mwamuye having issued stay orders on the impeachment pending determination of the matter, the deputy governor should not be sworn in.

“This is therefore to request the Judiciary not to facilitate the swearing of Deputy Governor Hon Rev Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia into office of Governor as this will be in defiance of the court orders mentioned herein above,” the lawyer said.

Mwangaza’s supporters said she was discharging her duties as governor, as they wait for the court to determine her petition against the impeachment.

County Secretary Kiambi Atheru and Kiagu Ward MCA Simon Kiambi who opposed the impeachment motion told off the leaders calling for M’Ethingia to take over. “The Senate resolution to impeach Governor Kawira was suspended. This means she is still in office,” said Dr Atheru.

“People should not mislead the public that the governor is not in office or the DG should be sworn in. As we are talking she is conducting official duties,” the Country Secretary added.

Meru Senator and Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi and Kinya protested Mwangaza’s return to the office saying she should stay away until the case is determined.