A group of spirited youths from Meru County, rallying behind Deputy Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia, have hit the streets demanding that embattled Governor Kawira Mwangaza vacates office following an impeachment.

The vibrant protests escalated outside the County headquarters, where police responded by lobbying teargas canisters to disperse the demonstrators.

Fired up and ready to make their voices heard, the protesters questioned the legitimacy of Ms Mwangaza’s position, urging the national government and judicial authorities to clarify the conflicting legal messages surrounding her continued tenure despite the impeachment.

“How can the Senate make one declaration only for a court to counter it?” asked Dominic Kirimi, a prominent youth leader in Meru.

Mr Kirimi expressed his frustrations about Mwangaza’s continued stay in the office, questioning why she should be operating as the governor when the Senate has recognised Mr M’Ethingia as the rightful acting governor.

“For Meru to thrive, Mwangaza must go. If development is to happen, we need a leader who actually represents us, not a ghost in the office. We are giving it 10 days—if this confusion continues, we will escalate our actions,” Mr Kirimi said.

Adding to the chorus of discontent, Mr Paul Kailemia slammed Ms Mwangaza’s leadership, accusing her of failing the people of Meru.

“A protest against your leadership leaves you with no respect. She has become a village drama queen. We’re exhausted, and the community is suffering. There are no bursaries, women’s groups are struggling, and each day brings new hardships,” Mr Kailemia said without mincing his words.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr Linus Mithika, another resident, pointed out that the Senate has already deemed Ms Mwangaza’s authority inconsequential.

“If Mutuma M’Ethingia isn’t sworn in as soon as possible, we will take over the office ourselves. How can she (Ms Mwangaza) continue to function in this capacity? We will not recognise her as our governor,” Mr Mithika pressed.

Ms Betty Makena, also a resident, emphasised the community’s demands for justice and transparency, asserting that Ms Mwangaza stands impeached according to the Senate gazette notice issued by Speaker Amason Kingi.

“We see other governors working hard to bring development projects to their counties, but here we see nothing to celebrate about. For two(2) years, our community has seen no progress,” Ms Makena lamented.

As tension rises in Meru, the call for clarity and righteous governance echoes through the streets, leaving many to wonder what the next chapter will hold for the county’s leadership.