The Drama of the Impeachment of Meru County Governor Kawira Mwangaza: Politics, Culture, and Power.

With more impeachment attempts than any other governor, Governor Kawira Mwangaza of Meru has set quite a sad record in devolution history within Kenya. Barely into her first term in office, a third impeachment motion arising from the Meru County Assembly easily provokes serious questions on governance, competence, and political culture.

The first question that comes to mind is whether the repeated impeachment attempts are a reflection of incompetence on the part of the governor. According to the Constitution of Kenya 2010, some of the grounds for impeachment relate to the gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, and gross misconduct. However, incompetence may be determined mainly subjectively and by whoever is judging.

The Members of the County Assembly of Meru County have faulted her leadership persistently, which begs the question, is this a true definition of her performance or result of political power plays? The general public's understanding of her competence varies with others supportive of her leadership as others align themselves to the MCAs.

That Kawira Mwangaza won as an independent candidate was historic. However, could this be a contributory factor to her current political troubles? Without the backing of any political party, Mwangaza lacks the party machinery that often provides a buffer against such political onslaughts. This leaves her vulnerable to attacks from the assembly, which might be dominated by members of various political parties with different agendas.

Moreover, this may make her independent status a source of incoherence within her administration and difficult for her to rally support from core political actors at the county level, who may perceive her as an outsider or even as a threat to their political aspirations.

The cultural dynamics of Meru cannot also be ignored. Could it not be that, despite her election by the very same people who now seem to question her leadership, biases against women in leadership are at work? Maybe Mwangaza's gender and leadership style rub some people the wrong way in a society that is traditionally patriarchal.

It is also important to indicate that she won, meaning the people of Meru needed change and believed in her vision. The irony that the very same people who voted her in might turn against her because of cultural expectations is a pointer to a deeper tension between progressive ideals and traditional values.

Another perspective may be, To what extent is political interference from external forces behind the move for impeachment? In the complex web of Kenyan politics, it is not new for external political players to interfere in county affairs, especially when they see an opportunity to further their interests.

Mwangaza's style of management might have antagonized one or more influential personages or groups who now seize the opportunity to undermine her leadership. This interference could have resulted in the repeated attempts at impeachment as vested interests jostle for space to destabilize her administration.

A leader's success or failure cannot be delinked from the role advisors play. If Mwangaza is relying on unpopular advice that goes against the grain of public opinion, it would explain some of the friction between her and the county assembly. Many a time has it occurred that leaders have to tread a fine tightrope between their conviction and the people whom they are required to serve. This might be a key factor if her advisors are leading her down a path that estranges her from the public and her political allies. 

In times of crisis, one would expect the Members of Parliament of Meru to rally around their governor if they believe it is in the best interest of the county. However, the level of their silence or lack of visible support does raise questions. Are they oblivious to her plight, or do they think she should fight her battles alone? Could it be that they have their political calculations and therefore prefer to keep off the fray, or do they subscribe to what the assembly does?

In effect, there has been a telling absence of a united front from Meru's national leaders. Maybe this is talking to something deeper division right at the heart of the political landscape in the county.

Successive impeachment motions play a big role in marring the economic growth of Meru County. The political instability will breed uncertainty, scaring investors and bringing to a standstill ongoing projects. This continuous tug of war between the governor and the county assembly may finally drag down the speed at which important development initiatives were to be implemented, leaving the people of Meru to bear the brunt.

Furthermore, the resources spent on the impeachment motions could be better utilized in addressing pressing issues such as infrastructure, health, and education. There is a risk of the county being held hostage in political drama at the expense of development.

The Meru incident brings out the need for reforms on how impeachment motions are done in Kenya's devolved system. While the Constitution provides a very clear legal framework on how to remove a leader found to be incompetent from office, such a process should not be used as a political tool. There should be a limit on the number of impeachment motions which can be filed against a governor within a specific period, allowing him to focus on governance without the constant threats of removal.

The case of Governor Kawira Mwangira serves to caution other leaders. It underlines clearly the central role of treading the fine line of political culture, leadership, and electorates' expectations. Whether she weathers the storm or not, implications of this ordeal are bound to shape the future of Meru County and that of devolution in Kenya.

How many impeachments? Meru  MCA's have thrown the Meru Voter under the bus for a third time.

Author,

Ekaale Ekuam 

A Freelance Writer, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management Consultant.