Ameru businesswomen based in Nairobi have come out strongly to oppose the recent impeachment of Governor Kawira Mwangaza, labeling the move as trivial and driven by male chauvinism.
The women, who engage in trade across various parts of Nairobi including Gikomba, Eastleigh, Githurai, and the Nairobi Central Business District, have voiced their disapproval of what they see as a continuous and unwarranted attack on the first female governor of Meru County.
In their statement, the businesswomen expressed frustration over the ongoing attempts to hound Governor Mwangaza out of office, questioning the legitimacy of the grounds cited for her impeachment.
“The reasons given for her impeachment are petty. It’s clear that Meru is suffering from deep-seated male chauvinism,” said one of the businesswomen.
The women further argued that the repeated impeachments are not only a reflection of gender bias but also a distraction from the real issues affecting the people of Meru.
“As women who have worked hard to establish ourselves in the competitive business environment of Nairobi, we see this as an affront to all women who strive to break barriers in leadership.”
“Governor Mwangaza is being targeted simply because she is a strong woman who refuses to bow to the pressures of a male-dominated political landscape,” another businesswoman stated.
The businesswomen called upon the Meru County Assembly to focus on constructive legislations instead of engaging in what they termed as “political witch-hunts.”
The group has vowed to support Governor Mwangaza in her fight against the unfair impeachment and to rally more women to stand up against the chauvinistic forces they believe are behind the repeated attempts to remove her from office.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has scheduled a special session on Wednesday to address Governor Mwangaza’s impeachment.
Last Thursday, 49 members of the Meru County Assembly voted to impeach Mwangaza. The motion was brought forward by Deputy Majority Leader Zipporah Kinya, who accused the governor of gross violation of the constitution, gross misconduct and abuse of office.
In a Gazette notice, Speaker Kingi announced that the special Senate session will begin at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the Senate Chamber at the Parliament buildings in Nairobi.
“The agenda for this sitting will be the hearing of charges against Governor Kawira Mwangaza of Meru County. As per Standing Order 33 (5) of the Senate Standing Orders, this will be the sole matter discussed during the special session. Following this, the Senate will adjourn until Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., as per the Senate calendar,” Kingi stated on Tuesday.
During the impeachment vote last week, three Meru MCAs abstained from voting, while 17 voted against the motion.
This marks the third successful impeachment of Governor Mwangaza, though five attempts have been made to remove her from office since she assumed the role.
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