Former Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi has admitted to playing a key role in the ouster of his successor, Kawira Mwangaza. Former Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi said the county was on the wrong path. The veteran politician claimed that the ousted county chief’s leadership style made her unfit to govern. During an interview on Thursday, March 20, Murungi said Mwangaza’s impeachment was inevitable, as she had alienated key political figures, including Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and MPs.
Murungi, who lost to Mwangaza in the 2022 gubernatorial race, claimed her downfall was a result of her constant conflicts with other leaders. “She was at war with all the MPs, the MCA, and even those of us who were there before; she would go around insulting us, embarrassing us. She was extremely arrogant, so when she was removed, you can see there is joy in Meru. We are very happy with this new governor,” Kiraitu said. Kiraitu, who lost to Mwangaza in the 2022 gubernatorial elections, maintained that he had initially been open to giving her a chance but was quickly disappointed by her leadership.
He further criticised Mwangaza for failing to deliver on her campaign promises, particularly her pledge to uplift Meru, accusing her of focusing on rhetoric. “She brought us and our supporters a lot of pain. And when we look at development, she claims her job is to take care of the children of Meru, yet in two years, she has done nothing for them. She came saying she wants to uplift the children of Meru, but she does nothing—it’s all just talk. We said you cannot uplift children with a loudspeaker,” he stated.
How did Kiraitu plan Mwangaza’s ouster Kiraitu remained cagey on the specifics of his role in her removal but suggested that Meru leaders felt compelled to act before further damage was done. Former Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi at a past media briefing. Photo: Kiraitu Murungi. Source: Facebook He explained that Meru leaders united to address what they saw as a leadership crisis. “Later, we realised that even if she was given ten years, Meru would continue to regress, sinking deeper into the mud. As concerned Meru leaders, we saw it fit to help our people escape this political ditch. So, we united with other leaders and did what we could, now she is back home,” he added. Kiraitu dismissed the assertion that Mwangaza was hounded out of office because she is a woman, insisting that the impeachment had nothing to do with her gender but rather her governance. “If there is someone who fights for women’s rights, Kiraitu Murungi is one of them. Even when I was governor, I had a plan to uplift women. Moreover, we have seen many women leaders, and I have worked with them and respected them. We have no problem with women at all,” he stated.
by Didacus Malowa
