Murang’a MCAs seek to impeach Mwangi Wa Iria

Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria is facing impeachment from Members of the County Assembly over claims that he is unable to run the affairs of the county.

The ward representatives have been collecting signatures to institute his impeachment alleging that he has been withholding funds from the county assembly that were meant to facilitate their oversight role.

Over 33 MCAs had appended their signatures to the impeachment document as Iria’s key allies questioned the motive.

On Wednesday, Assembly Majority Leader Peter Kihungi said they were angry with the governor for failing to consult other elected leaders in matters pertaining to development.

Mr Kihungi added that the assembly had enough grounds to take action against the governor.

“We are pursuing gross misconduct and integrity issues which we feel have been compromised,” he added

The MCA’s were also bitter with the finance secretary’s failure to remit Sh20 million in allowances and for always going against the budget.

They were also upset with the governor for inspecting development projects in their wards without their knowledge.

This also comes at time when political differences between Mr Iria and Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau have emerged.

The long strained relationship between governors and members of county assemblies (MCAs) in county governments has affected operations in the devolved units.

One of the most affected counties is Embu County where Governor Martin Wambora is in constant wrangles with the Members of the County Assembly.

Wambora has been in court for over a year since a motion of impeachment against him successfully went through the Embu County assembly and the Senate.

Early this year, Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki reaffirmed that Wambora’s removal from office was in accordance with the law.

“Any attempt to pretend that you can ignore institutions and get away with it, will only lead to problems,” said Kindiki.

Another county on the brink of disorder is Makueni County.

Earlier in September, The Commission of Inquiry into whether Makueni County should be dissolved recommended for suspension of the county after it completed its investigations.

The Mohamed Nyaoga-led commission presented its report to President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Mombasa.

Later that week, President Uhuru Kenyatta declined recommendations to suspend the Makueni County Government, saying alternative measures should be embraced in dealing with the issues.

In a statement sent to newsrooms by State House spokesperson, Manoah Esipisu, President Kenyatta said he is not satisfied that there are justifiable grounds for the suspension of the county government, noting that ejecting the county government will set a bad precedence.