Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina has confirmed receiving money over the impeachment hearing of the embattled Governor Kawira Mwangaza.

Senator Ledama who was speaking during a special Senate session convened by Speaker Amason Kingi on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, noted the people were sending him only Ksh1.

According to the Senator, the money has accumulated to Ksh300.

“Personally I have received almost 300 shillings in one shilling one shilling one shilling, being greeted by people of Meru,” Ledama stated.

However, Ledama did not specify the messages he received from the senders of the money but clarified that the Senate only acts as a jury during impeachment hearing.

“It is important for us to realise that the County Assembly is the one that impeaches the Governor, the Senate sits as a jury,” Ledama.

Ledama made the revelation while making his submission during the debate on whether Mwangaza’s charges would be investigated by an 11-member committee or through plenary.

During the afternoon debate, the Senators voted against the committee setting the stage for a plenary route.

The plenary hearing has been set for Monday, August 19, 2024, and Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

Senate to investigate the matter in Plenary on Monday, 19th August, and Tuesday, 20th August 2024, following the Senate Business Committee's decision today. Parties are to file responses by 17th August, with documents circulated to Senators by 18th August. #ImpeachmentHearing pic.twitter.com/ucCzmjJegP

— Senate of Kenya (@Senate_KE) August 14, 2024

Charges against Governor Mwangaza

According to a letter from the Meru County Assembly read out by Speaker Amason Kingi, Mwangaza is accused of illegally revoking the appointment of the Meru County Public Service Board Chief Executive Officer without the requisite vote from the County Assembly.

They also accused the governor of failing to appoint the chairpersons of key county boards and allowing unauthorised persons to oversee public funds without proper accountability.

“Refused to implement the recommendations and resolutions of the County Assembly, on the dismissal of the County Secretary, Dr. Kiambi Atheru Thambura and the Chief of Staff, Mr. Harrison Gatobu Nchamba Mbithi for gross violation of the Constitution and other laws and failed to submit a report to the County Assembly on the implementation of the said resolutions of the Assembly in direct violation of Article 183(3) of the Constitution.

“Illegally dismissed Dr. Ntoiti (CEO of County Revenue Board), Paul Mwaki (CEO of Liquor Board), Kenneth Kimathi Mbae (Managing Director of Meru Microfinance Corporation), and Joseph Kithure Mberia (CEO of MEWASS), contrary to the provisions of the Meru County Revenue Board Act and the Meru County Investment and Development Corporation Act, thereby leading to significant financial penalties by the Employment and Labour Relations Court against the County Government on account of legal costs and damages,” the letter from Meru County Assembly read in part.

The first-time governor will have a date of destiny with the senators to defend herself against the accusations that brought about her impeachment.