Former Meru senator Mithika Linturi’s claim that Meru MPs contributed KSh 100 million to impeach former governor Kawira Mwangaza has drawn a response from the county government, with Chief of Staff Dr. Julio Mbijiwe reaffirming that the Senate based its decision on the strength of the impeachment charges.
Speaking at the county headquarters, Mbijiwe said the former governor was impeached by the Senate after reviewing the issues raised by the Meru County Assembly. He noted that although Linturi had made the allegations, he( Mbijiwe) was not in a position to confirm them as he had no evidence to substantiate the claims.
Meru county Chief of Staff Dr Julio Mbijiwe. Photo by Brian Gitonga
He maintained that the Senate’s decision was informed by the weight of the issues presented during the impeachment process rather than any external influence.
“During an impeachment, what is looked at, whether in the county assembly or Senate, is the strength of the issues raised,” said Mbijiwe.
According to Mbijiwe, several of the grounds brought forward by the county assembly were considered serious enough by senators during the voting process.
He recalled being present in the Senate during the proceedings and said that more than four of the issues raised against Mwangaza received the support of the majority of senators as grounds for her removal.
“When voting was being done, there were more than four issues that the majority of the senators agreed with the Meru County Assembly were enough grounds for impeachment,” said Mbijiwe.
Meru county Chief of Staff Dr Julio Mbijiwe adresses the press. Photo by Brian Gitonga
The chief of staff also addressed the rising political tension in the county, noting that political temperatures are gradually increasing both in Meru and across the country.
He urged leaders to take responsibility for their supporters and ensure that political competition does not turn into hostility between rival groups.
“Candidates have the responsibility of telling their generals not to cause trouble. Most of the time you find that candidates do not have an issue, but their generals are the ones causing trouble,” said Mbijiwe.
Mbijiwe also acknowledged that the Meru gubernatorial seat will attract several contenders, noting that this is part of the democratic process. He appealed to politicians and their supporters to maintain peace even when rival factions hold meetings in the same day, insisting on the need for peaceful coexistence among competing political groups.
Nonetheless, Mbijiwe also responded to claims of an impending doctors’ strike in Meru County, telling the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) that most of the issues they have raised are already being addressed under Governor Mutuma’s administration.
He said doctors under the common cadre have already received promotion letters, while the Public Service Board is holding a retreat to address matters affecting non-common cadre promotions.
“Doctors under the common cadre have already received promotion letters, while the Public Service Board is working on non-common cadre promotions. The issue of study leave is also being addressed, with 19 doctors already on study leave, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement is ready for signing,” said Mbijiwe.
