Ex- Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has accused male politicians of orchestrating her removal from office.
She said she was discriminated against based on her gender.
In a statement posted online, Mwangaza claimed that she faced relentless battles from her detractors who refused to accept women in leadership.
She added that her impeachment was not a reflection of the people’s will but a calculated move made by her competitors who liaised with the National Government to guarantee her exit.
Mwangaza vowed to challenge her impeachment in the highest court to clear her name.
“Today, I, break my silence to address the grave injustices I have faced as a woman leader in a deeply patriarchal society,” she said.
“My impeachment was not a reflection of my performance or integrity but a calculated move by male chauvinists, political competitors, and for political expediency, a complicit National Government willing to silence a woman who dared to lead.”
Terming her removal as a grave injustice perpetrated by a parochial system, Mwangaza also declared a political onslaught against her detractors.
In a veiled attack on the Judiciary and President William Ruto, she cited ‘a complicit national government’, male chauvinists, and political competitors for her downfall.
She also called on her supporters to hold all leaders accountable and demand transparency in governance.
Since assuming office after edging out political bigwigs in the August 2022 elections, Mwangaza has been in squabbles with the Meru County Assembly which expressed dissatisfaction with her leadership style.
The MCAs attempted to impeach her on three consecutive bids, with the former governor appealing each attempt to secure her stay in office.
Zipporah Kinya, the mover of the motion that sent her home, is a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nominated MCA.
Before that, she had survived a similar ouster motion in 2023 tabled by the then-Majority Leader Evans Mawira (UDA), but Mr Mawira was kicked out after he switched to Ms Mwangaza’s camp.
The impeached governor said gleeful sponsors revealed the roles they played during the inauguration of Isaac Mutuma.
“Some of them went an extra mile to thank the top leadership of this country for the support offered towards the cause,” she said.
“Instead of the national government upholding the rule of law, it actively influenced the outcome, ensuring that the voices of Meru residents who elected me were ignored.”
“Even the courts, which should have been my refuge, were interfered with to block my access to justice.
This is not just an attack on me but an attack on democracy, gender equality and the rights of every Kenyan woman who aspires to lead,” she said.
Mwangaza claimed that she was turned into a “sacrificial lamb” by those in power, to quell the political noise in Meru County.
“I will not be silenced.
I will pursue all legal avenues to clear my name and expose the injustices that have been perpetrated against me.
This is not just my fight; it is a fight for every woman who dares to dream of leadership in a society that often seeks to crush those dreams,” she said.
Mwangaza, who formally lost her seat last week after the High Court upheld the Senate impeachment resolution, further swore to sustain the political battle in the county.
She announced plans to unveil a political party, exuding confidence that she will be on the ballot in 2027.
“My removal has taught me that it is not wise to go to the election of governor as an independent candidate.
Going forward, I will intensify political rallies in Meru to identify leaders we can work with come 2027.
I will also continue with my charity rallies,” she said.
Mwangaza, who is fighting her removal at the Court of Appeal, also vowed to keep the county government in check.
“I call on all Kenyans, civil society organisations, and the international community to stand with me in condemning this blatant abuse of power and to demand accountability from those who have undermined our democracy,” she appealed.
Mwangaza claimed she was fired for refusing to bow to political manipulation by selfish politicians.
“I refused to bow to the pressures of political puppeteers who sought to use my office for their own selfish gains.
My administration prioritised the needs of the people, delivering transformative projects in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and agriculture,” she stated.
She said she would not be silenced through corruption probe threats.
“There are people telling me that I will be investigated by the DCI and EACC. I am not afraid of being investigated.
I acquired my wealth through business since I was a young girl,” she said.
“I have been a househelp, a farmhand, sold charcoal, vegetables and even become a matatu driver.”
She hit out at her successor, claiming that the new administration can only serve the interests of corrupt and selfish individuals.
Earlier, Meru’s new governor kicked off his first day in office by meeting county executives, chief officers and heads of departments.
Mutuma pledged to foster growth by uniting all stakeholders.
The governor also vowed to improve the welfare of workers, who he said, have been neglected and mistreated for two years.
