Governor Kawira Mwangaza has declined to take the stand in order to be cross-examined by Meru County Assembly lawyers.
Lawyer Elias Mutuma told the Senate Special Committee investigating Kawira’s impeachment that forcing her to testify would violate her rights.
“There is no legal requirement that the governor be forced to testify,” Mutuma said.
Meru County Assembly lawyer Muthomi Thiankolu told the committee that his team would have liked the opportunity to expose the gaps in Kawira’s affidavits.
Mutuma, on the other hand, stated that Kawira has the right to present her evidence in any way she sees fit.
“We are unable to call the governor for cross-examination. She has not provided any oral evidence to this committee. “We run the risk of being accused of violating her rights,” Mutuma insisted.
“Even in murder cases, the accused has the right to remain silent if they so desire,” says the law.
Mutuma went on to say that Kawira provided her affidavits to lawyers representing the Assembly, who had no objections.
“We indicated the witnesses we intended to rely on and the governor was not one of them. “The Chief of Staff who testified before this committee covered all of the allegations made against the governor,” he continued.
Nonetheless, Mutuma stated that they are willing to have all other witnesses testify before the committee if time allows.
Mwangaza has so far pleaded not guilty to all of the charges that have led to her impeachment.
