Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza when she appeared before the Senate Committee on January 28, 2025. Her ouster was the last straw for Meru's women politicians.
Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza on Saturday unveiled her new political vehicle, promising to exact political revenge on leaders who supported her impeachment.
Ms Mwangaza and her family recently took over the Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP), previously associated with former Embu Governor Martin Wambora, officially marking her transition from independent politics to party leadership.
Addressing supporters at her Ntumburi residence during the party’s launch, Ms Mwangaza declared herself politically unstoppable despite having been removed from office.
She announced her new leadership structure, saying she will serve as interim party leader, her son Victor Koome as deputy party leader, her husband Murega Baichu as interim Secretary-General and her sister Miriam Karwirwa as interim National Chairperson.
Mr Harisson Gatobu, a former Chief of Staff and close ally, will serve as the party’s Executive Director.
A Gazette notice published on July 4 by then Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu confirmed that UMP’s headquarters had moved from Embu to Kamuketha village, the site of Ms Mwangaza’s palatial home and ranch.
Known for her strong grassroots following, particularly through her charity initiative Okolea, Ms Mwangaza now joins other Meru political heavyweights who lead parties, including Kiraitu Murungi (Devolution Empowerment Party - DEP), Peter Munya (Party of National Unity - PNU) and Mpuru Aburi (National Ordinary People's Empowerment Union - NOPEU).
Ms Mwangaza, who was elected as an independent in 2022, said founding a political party was inspired by the bitter lessons of her impeachment.
She blamed political rivals, particularly allies of Mr Murungi and Mr Munya, who dominated the county assembly, for blocking her administration’s legislative agenda.
“If I had not been impeached, we would not have formed the UMP party. Political bigwigs who lost in the 2022 election came together to remove me. Now, we have a party that will address the injustices that led to my removal,” she said.
She expressed confidence that her party would achieve a clean sweep of elective seats, especially in Meru, where most elected leaders opposed her.
“We will go after the seats of those who betrayed me. We will send them home through the ballot. We are unstoppable,” she declared.
Tight race
With President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) dominant in Meru and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) gaining ground, Mwangaza’s party entry adds a new dynamic to the region’s political contest.
DEP Secretary General Mugambi Imanyara, a key Mwangaza ally, said the party will rigorously vet aspirants for their role in her ouster.
“We will examine what role each 2027 aspirant played in the impeachment of Kawira Mwangaza. If you had a hand in it, the people will speak loudly at the ballot,” he said.
Ms Mwangaza outlined UMP’s agenda: defending the Constitution, promoting access to justice, and spearheading grassroots development. She promised free and fair nominations, saying the party will offer equal opportunity to all.
“Some leaders don’t respect the Constitution. If it had been upheld, I wouldn’t have been removed. We will stand up for the rule of law and protect the disadvantaged from oppression,” she said.
To test its political strength, UMP will field candidates in all upcoming by-elections, starting with Mbeere North Constituency in Embu County.
Ms Mwangaza expressed confidence in the party’s future.
“I believe UMP will produce many elected leaders in 2027. I am confident that I will reclaim my seat,” she said.
Among those who joined her at the launch were Carol Muriuki, who was runner-up in the 2022 North Imenti parliamentary race, and Felicity Biriri, who came second in the women's representative contest. Both women had previously vied on the Mbus Party ticket linked to Mr Murungi.
