Kiraitu Murungi: How we planned Kawira’s ouster

By Newsflash Reporter

Former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has admitted to being part of the team that orchestrated the impeachment of ex-Governor Kawira Mwangaza, asserting that her removal had nothing to do with gender but rather her leadership style.

Mwangaza had previously claimed that her impeachment was driven by male leaders opposed to her administration, suggesting that sexism played a key role in her downfall.

However, Murungi, speaking to NTV on Thursday, 20 March, 2025, dismissed these allegations, stating that Mwangaza’s leadership struggles extended across the board—affecting MCAs, MPs, and even former county leadership.

“She had conflicts with everyone—MCAs, MPs, and even us in the previous administration. More so, she mishandled and embarrassed former leaders like myself,” Murungi stated.

Murungi: Mwangaza’s leadership style led her downfall

Murungi, who lost his bid for re-election in 2022, noted that he had no personal grudge against Mwangaza and was willing to let her lead. However, he claimed that her approach to governance alienated both elected leaders and residents of Meru, making it difficult to foster development.

“Even if she were given 10 years to govern, Meru would remain stagnant. As responsible leaders, we had to act in the best interests of the people. That is why we did everything within our power to ensure she was removed from office,” he stated.

Court upholds Mwangaza’s impeachment

Mwangaza officially joined the growing list of impeached governors on March 14, 2025, after the High Court upheld the Senate’s decision to remove her from office.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled against Mwangaza’s petition, stating that due process was followed and that there were no legal grounds to overturn the impeachment.

“The amended petition dated December 23, 2024, does not meet the legal threshold to overturn the Senate’s decision,” ruled the judge.

Murungi confident in new leadership

Following Mwangaza’s removal, Isaac Mutuma was sworn in as the new Meru Governor on Monday. Murungi has expressed confidence in Mutuma, describing him as a leader who can unify Meru and drive meaningful development.

“We now have a leader who can bring Meru together, foster growth, and ensure the county moves in the right direction,” he remarked.

Despite the controversy surrounding her removal, Mwangaza’s impeachment marks the end of a turbulent chapter in Meru politics—one that, according to Murungi, was about governance failures rather than gender discrimination.