Embattled Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has given an explanation for her decision to remove all county MCAs from the county’s official WhatsApp group.
During a press conference to address her ongoing feud with County Assembly members, which has drawn the attention of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Ms Mwangaza confirmed that she had indeed removed all MCAs because they were at odds.
“Wengine wanasema wametolewa kwa WhatsApp group, I am the one who created the WhatsApp group, how do you stay in the same group na hamsikizani?” she posed.
Governor Mwangaza also scoffed at critics of her decision, claiming that being kicked out of a WhatsApp group isn’t a crime that should be reported to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
“Ukiona group hampelekani, unaleft, na kuleft sio hatia ya kupelekwa EACC, huwezi peleka mtu kwa EACC sababu amekutoa kwa group ama ameleft.”
The Meru County boss insisted that the group ended the same way it began: by unofficially urging MCAs to communicate with her through official channels, including the requisition for funds.
“Hiyo group ni mpango ya kienyeji na inaisha Kienyeji, hakuna mahali ati ni sheria iko hapo.”
At the same time, the governor, who is embroiled in a squabble with county MCAs, insisted that she would not be intimidated.
“Hata mkifanya allegations sijui ya kwenda juu au chini, nataka kuwatangazia kwamba serikali ya mama iko imara,” she added.
“Mimi kama governor wa Meru I’m not ready to pocket single coin that belongs to mwananchi wa kawaida… I will not be intimidated to be a thief, nataka kila mtu afuate sheria na kila mtu atosheke na mshahara wake,” she said.
She urged the MCAs to deal with her deputy when they cannot reach her.
“Ukikuja ofisi unikose, that is why we have a Deputy Governor,” she added.
Meanwhile, the EACC cited the governor and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga for illegal appointments.
On Sunday, the EACC charged the first-time governor with violating Chapter Six of the Constitution and various other laws in her administration of the county.
In a letter addressed to Governor Mwangaza by its CEO Twalib Mbarak, EACC accuses her of nepotism, citing her spouse, Murega Baicu, as the youth service patron and ambassador for hustlers.
EACC also took issue with him attending official county functions and issuing directives to county employees despite not being a public officer.
Mwangaza is also accused of hiring two of her sisters as personal assistants and security personnel.
Members of the County Assembly walked out during her maiden address in the House to protest the handling of her docket, claiming she had refused to receive counsel from them.
