Murang’a MCAs vote to remove Governor Mwangi Wa Iria
Murang'a County Governor Mwangi Wa Iria, who was impeached on October 21, 2015 by MCAs on accusations of gross misconduct. FILE PHOTO | NJUGI NGUGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Last week, County Assembly Speaker Nduati Kariuki allowed a notice of the impeachment motion tabled by nominated member Mary Waithera.
- It was seconded by Kamacharia MCA Joseph Machiri on Wednesday at the expiry of the seven-day notice allowed by the standing orders of the House.
- The MCA also accused the executive of spending Sh247 million on advertising against the assembly’s recommendation of Sh7 million.
Murang’a County Governor Mwangi wa Iria has been impeached.
Members of the county assembly (MCAs) on Wednesday accused the county boss of misusing cash and failing to manage the county’s debt.
Mr Wa Iria was impeached after 34 out of 49 MCAs voted for his removal for alleged gross misconduct and abuse of office.
He needed only two more votes to survive but fell short.
Last week, County Assembly Speaker Nduati Kariuki allowed a notice of the impeachment motion tabled by nominated member Mary Waithera.
It was seconded by Kamacharia MCA Joseph Machiri on Wednesday at the expiry of the seven-day notice allowed by the standing orders of the House.
Ms Waithera accused the governor of gross violation of the Constitution and abuse of office.
She alleged lack of accountability in the management and use of county resources, exemplified by an unsustainable debt of Sh2.5 billion.
According to her, this was not disclosed in the debt management and fiscal papers.
AUDITOR'S REPORT
She cited the Auditor-General’s report that revealed that the county spent over Sh28 million in “unclear circumstances on a controversial co-operative society known as Shilingi Kwa Shilingi.
The MCA also accused the executive of spending Sh247 million on advertising against the assembly’s recommendation of Sh7 million.
“The governor has also failed to establish the county budget and economic forum and also disregarded the County Assembly and undermined its legislative authority through requisition of monies and not remitting the same hence crippling operations of the House,” said Ms Waithera
The assembly accused the governor of borrowing Sh200 million from Kenya Commercial Bank without a guarantee from the National Treasury.
Kahumbu Ward MCA Erick Kamande, who opposed the impeachment motion, said the leaders should iron out their differences for the sake of peace.
SUPREMACY WAR
The governor has been involved in a supremacy battle with local MPs, led by Kigumo’s Jamleck Kamau.
On Wednesday, Mr Kamau preferred to stay out of the fray.
“We will issue a comprehensive statement on the issue with other MPs by the weekend,” he said.
Mr Wa Iria's impeachment battle now moves to the Senate, where senators will weigh the move to send him home.
Nyeri County Governor Nderitu Gachagua is also under pressure from MCAs.
Several county assemblies, including Embu, Makueni, Kericho and West Pokot, have in the past unsuccessfully attempted to impeach their governors.
