The Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders has endorsed the impeachment of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
The move signifies a deepening crisis in Meru county, where the governor faces her second impeachment motion within a year.
A total of 57 out of 69 MCAs have shown their support for the impeachment, indicating a strong push against the embattled governor.
Last year, the governor was impeached by the assembly but was saved by the Senate.
Njuri Ncheke secretary general Josphat Murangiri accused Mwangaza of operating as a lone ranger hence the support for her impeachment.
He said her actions have exacerbated the divisions within Meru County.
Murangiri said the elders will not support anyone who has violated the unity of Meru people and their neighbours.
He endorsed Kawira’s Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma to take over the leadership in case she loses her seat.
"We are supporting the impeachment of Kawira Mwangaza as she has disregarded the call to work with all leaders in Meru county," Murangiri said.
He said the council's commitment to preserve the community values and unity remain.
Benjamin Mugambi, the Njuri Ncheke deputy secretary general, echoed Murangiri’s sentiments saying the council's declaration is final.
He refuted claims that Mwangaza is the community's spokesperson.
"We have all agreed that we are supporting the impeachment of Kawira and the community will rally behind Mithika, who is currently the community spokesperson and the most senior politician," Mugambi said.
Governor Mwangaza's impeachment seems to have divided Njuri Ncheke.
Some elders from Tigania West, Tigania East, and Tigania Central have expressed their dissent with the council’s move.
Elder Adriano Aruyaru, a representative from Tigania West, said he is opposed to the endorsement.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently pleaded with political and religious figures in Meru to unite and solve their differences.
“I plead with you to unite, and to look for peace for the development of Meru county. We are people of the mountain and our unity is our strength,” he said.
Gachagua spoke at a church service held at the Methodist Church of Kenya in Kaelo.
Political analyst Albert Kasembeli said Mwangaza should reach out to everyone in an effort to promote unity and peace.
He said the continued leadership wrangles will derail development in the county.
“It is not right for Njuri Ncheke elders to support the impeachment of Mwangaza. The move will aggregate the matter and draw sharp division among supporters," Kasembeli said.
He urged Meru leaders to prioritise the region's unity and avoid selfish engagements.