Days after the High Court upheld her impeachment as the Governor of Meru County, Kawira Mwangaza has broken her silence, claiming that male politicians manipulated the system to remove her from office simply because she is a woman.
In an emotional statement, Mwangaza, who made history as Meru’s first female governor, accused a group of male politicians of conspiring to discredit her leadership and push her out, using the impeachment process as a tool of political vengeance.
“I believe my removal was not just about governance but about gender,” Mwangaza said during an interview following the court’s ruling. “As a woman in a predominantly male political arena, I was always a target. These politicians used the system to humiliate me, not because I failed in my duties, but because they saw my leadership as a threat.”
Mwangaza’s impeachment, which was initially carried out by the Meru County Assembly in December 2022, was based on allegations of abuse of office and misconduct, claims she has consistently denied. The High Court’s recent ruling, which upheld her removal, has left her supporters disheartened, but she remains resolute in her determination to continue advocating for women in leadership.
“I am not backing down,” Mwangaza declared. “I have been through this battle, and while it hurts, it has made me stronger. I will not be silenced. In 2027, I will be back. I will run again, and this time, I will not be deterred by any force, whether political or otherwise.”
Mwangaza’s remarks come just days after her deputy, Mutuma Kathuri, was sworn in as the new governor. Despite the legal setback, she remains determined to fight for the rights of women and marginalized groups in Meru and across Kenya.
While some view her ousting as a sign of political instability, Mwangaza is using her experience to rally support for her future political ambitions, vowing to continue pushing for inclusive leadership.
“This fight is not just mine, it’s for all the women who dare to dream of holding positions of power,” she added.
