Bishop Faith Kawira Mwangaza, the Meru governor, has seen it all in her short political journey. After making history by flooring giant politicians suc as Kiraitu Murungi and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi in 2022 General Election to win the governor’s seat, the self proclaimed woman of clothe has walked in a rough terrain. A number of leaders from MPs to MCAs and the area senator have all been against her leadership.

After surviving two impeachments, she is awaiting the verdict of a third with a court ruling on March 14 that will determine her fate.

Last December, the courts extended her stay in office. The order, issued by Justice Bahati Mwamuye sitting in Milimani High Court, blocked the Senate’s decision to impeach Mwangaza for a period of 120 days, effectively giving her a temporary lifeline.

The embattled governor has faced three impeachments trials making her the first elected county chief to face an ouster three months after taking office. She was accused of abuse of office, nepotism, incompetence among other charges.

To add salt to the injury, her deputy Rev Isaac Mutuma also turned against her accusing her of sidelining him, sacking his staff and denying him funds to run his office. Despite her political struggles, Kawira, married to local guitarist musician Murega Baichu, has grown into a woman with thick skin.

Even after apologising publically 70 times to the MCAs and other leaders in 2023, after facing the second ouster, the governor lost her cool and verbally attacked the MCAs and local leaders.

“Politics is not a bed of roses. I have faced a lot of problems, if I was not strong I would have not been alive today. I have been insulted called all sort of names, intimidated, cyber bullied and beaten but I am not ready to give up anytime soon,” said Kawira.

With political temperatures boiling in the region leaders including Njuri Ncheke council of elders have called on president William Ruto and his deputy Kithure Kindiki to intervene and save Meru from national shame and sinking further economically.

“We are going to decide our way forward as Meru community after Match 14 when the court is expected to give verdict of Kawira stay in office. Right now we are negotiating with other appointed leaders and Njuri Ncheke to declare our stand,” said Kiraitu.

Speaking to PD Weekendi Secretary general Council of Elders Jospat Murangiri faulted Kawira saying she is an enemy of developments and unity.

“It difficult to handle governor Kawira. We have tried several times to bring peace in Meru as elders but all has landed in deaf ears. As Njuri Ncheke, we can comfortably support her removal so that we can get a leader who is ready to work with others for the betterment of this county,” said Murangiri.

Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi and Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi have been on the frontline accusing Kawira of being corrupt. However, a few locals have come out to defend her claiming she is being victimised because she is a woman leader.

“Kawira is being fought by male leaders because she defeated them and they cannot accept that,” said Mike Makarina chairman for People with Disability.

Beside facing political wars, two years ago the county boss was linked to the murder of a Meru blogger who went missing on December 2023 and his body recovered at River Mutonga in Tharaka Nithi county.

But what is the genesis of the governor’s political troubles?

Kawira’s woes may have begun when she refused to allocate funds for the 45 wards to fund projects suggested by the MCAs. This led to a strained relationship between the Kawira Mwangaza’s administration and the County assembly of Meru derailing the development agenda. The governor was saved by the Senate from being removed from office on 30th December 2022 after she was impeached after only serving 64 days in office.

In the motion that was tabled by then Majority leader Evans Mawira, she was accused of gross misappropriation and misuse of county funds.

The motion however listed seven counts which included charges of nepotism, usurpation of roles belonging to the Meru County Public Service Board, contempt of the Assembly, inciting and insulting leaders in public meetings among others.

In the third impeachment motion, tabled by nominated MCA Zipporah Kinya Kawira is accused of three main offenses including gross violation of the Constitution, violations of national and county laws, and abuse of office. Out of 69 MCAs; 49 supported the motion, 17 opposed it, and three abstained.

This lead to her removal after 26 senators voted to send her home after upholding her impeachment by the Meru County Assembly that found her guilty of all three charges against her.

As the county awaits the March ruling, the people of Meru have to continue waiting before they can enjoy the benefits of devolution.

According to Eric Mutwiri a political economist and analyst, the wrangles in Meru have greatly hampered the delivery of development in the county.