Senate sets two days for Mwangaza's impeachment trial

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza will now defend herself on the floor of the Senate next week.

Senators approved on Thursday a procedural motion to alter the hours of sittings for November 7 and 8 to conduct the hearings on the proposed removal from office by impeachment of the governor.

The motion by majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot was seconded by Kilifi senator Steward Mwadzayo and unanimously approved by the members.

"THAT, notwithstanding the resolutions of the Senate made on February 16, 2023, and on  March 29, 2023, pursuant to Standing Order 32 on the approval of the Senate Calendar (Regular Sessions) for the Second Session, 2023 and pursuant to Standing Order 34 (4) (b), the Senate resolves to alter its hours of meeting on Tuesday, 7th November 2023 and Wednesday, 8th November, 2023," read the motion. 

Senators will now meet from 9:00 am to 1.00 pm for the morning sittings and at 2:30 pm until the close of business for the afternoon sittings in the two days.

The decision to conduct the hearing on plenary was arrived at Tuesday after members rejected a motion by Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina.

Ole Kina rooted for the committee in investigating the impeachment allegations against the governor.

The Senate Minority Whip had argued in his motion that the senators would have the ultimate decision after the 11-member committee tables its report.

"You and I will have the opportunity to make the final decision,'' he said insisting that it is not the work of the senators to impeach a governor.

''The governor is impeached at the county and not at the Senate,” he added.

Members who had been selected to sit on the Committee are Boni Khalawale (Kakamega), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Karungo Thangwa (Kiambu), Esther Okenyuri (Nominated), Ali Roba (Mandera), Peris Tobiko (Nominated), Enock Wambua (Kitui), Abdul Haji (Garissa), Okiya Omtatah (Busia), Crystal Asike  (Nominated) and Shakila Abdala (Nominated).