Khalwale: Hearing against Mwangaza will be fair and just

Senator Boni Khalwale, chairman of the Special Committee investigating the impeachment of Governor Kawira Mwangaza has assured parties in the trial that it will conduct a fair and just hearing.

Mr. Khalwale said at the beginning of the hearing on Tuesday that the outcome of the procedure will be guided by the law.

"The removal of a governor from office is one of the most important roles of the Senate. We are cognizant of the gravity of this matter," Khalwale told the parties in his opening remarks.

"We recognise the right of the parties to be heard. We shall be guided by the law and evidence adduced by witnesses," he added.

Meanwhile, Khalwale cautioned the parties in the case to desist from discussing the matter while it is still under consideration by the committee.

The committee will hold the hearings for two days before retreating to write its verdict based on the evidence adduced.

Kawira was on December 14 impeached by 67 of the 69 MCAs that were present in the Meru County Assembly.

The ward reps accused the first-term county boss of gross misconduct and abuse of office, all broken down to five charges.

On Tuesday, Kawira denied all the charges before the special committee saying she is a victim of blackmail.

The MCAs accused her of committing at least one constitutional violation on each of the 64 days she has been in power. 

They said within that period, Kawira committed 62 violations of the Constitution.

Lawyer Muthomi Thiankolu acting for the Meru County Assembly said Kawira committed 19 violations in the first charge, 30 under the second charge, four in the third charge, three violations in the fourth charge and six gross violations in the fifth charge.

Kawira has lined up one witness and she seeks to overturn the impeachment.

The 11-member committee will determine whether accusations against her warrant an impeachment before delivering its verdict by December 30.