Meru residents rallying behind Deputy Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia hit the streets for second day demanding Governor Kawira Mwangaza to vacate office following an impeachment.
The protesters camped outside the County headquarters, where police responded by lobbing teargas canisters dispersing the crowd.
Paul Kailemia slammed Mwangaza’s leadership, accusing her of failing the people of Meru.
The chairman Gakoromone market said no services were being offered in the county and cited the case of medics who had been on strike for 24 days. He said they were tired of frequent mourning and cries from families who have lost their loved ones for the last about 24 days medics have been on strike.
“A protest against your leadership leaves you with no respect. She has become a village drama queen. We’re exhausted, and the community is suffering-there are no bursaries, women’s groups are struggling and every day brings new hardships,” he said.
The protesters questioned the legitimacy of Mwangaza’s continued stay in office, urging the national government and judicial authorities to clarify the conflicting legal messages surrounding her impeachment.
“How can the Senate make one declaration only for a court to counter it?” asked Dominic Kirimi, a prominent youth leader in Meru.
He expressed frustration about Mwangaza’s continued stay office, questioning why she should be operating as governor even after the Senate sent her home.
“For Meru to thrive, Mwangaza must go. If development is to happen, we need a leader who actually represents us, not a ghost in the office. We are giving it ten days—if this confusion continues, we will escalate our actions.” he declared.
Echoing this sentiment, Linus Mithika pointed out that the Senate has already deemed Mwangaza’s authority inconsequential.
“If Mutuma M’Ethingia isn’t sworn in soon, we will take over the office ourselves. How can she continue to function in this capacity? We will not recognize Mwangaza as our governor,” he said.
Betty Makena further emphasized the community’s demands for justice and transparency, asserting that Mwangaza stands impeached according to the Senate gazette notice.
“We see other governors working hard to bring development projects to their counties but for two years Meru has stagnated and there is zero development in our community,” she lamented.
