When Ms Kawira Mwangaza emerged victorious in the Meru governor contest in 2022, she credited her husband Murega Baichu with contributing 50 per cent to the win.
As she lost the seat when the High Court upheld her impeachment on March 14, Mr Baichu’s guitar – a symbol of his involvement – remained at the heart of controversy.
Despite the win, Ms Mwangaza never truly transitioned from campaigns to governance, according to former Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi.
In the first impeachment motion tabled by Meru County Assembly Minority Whip Dennis Kiogora, Ms Mwangaza was accused of nepotism after naming her husband the County Youth Service Patron and Meru “Hustlers” Ambassador.
Mr Baichu’s contributions weren’t in cash or logistics during her campaigns but fiery musical performances that kept crowds entertained and politically charged.
Robert Murega Rimberia.
Photo credit: Courtesy
“We could not afford to hire entertainers for our rallies. My husband’s music played a big role in the victory,” Ms Mwangaza said after being declared Meru county boss.
Mr Baichu, a known musician who paused his career after marrying Ms Mwangaza, took on the task of turning political moments into music.
He claimed to draw inspiration from unfolding events, crafting songs that often targeted his wife’s critics.
“When my wife said she wanted to be Meru governor, I did not have millions of shillings to support her campaign. But like Moses in the Bible when God asked what was in his hand, I had the guitar. I used my talent to help her become Meru governor,” Mr Baichu once said.
Known for composing lyrics on the fly, Mr Baichu would remix hits into campaign anthems, laced with messages for political opponents – much to the delight of crowds.
So strong were his performances that then-deputy governor Titus Ntuchiu quipped: “Meru cannot be led with a guitar.”
Nonetheless, after Ms Mwangaza took the oath of office as governor, she sought to reward her husband with public roles – a decision that stirred controversy.
Mr Baichu remained front and centre, drawing backlash for attending official county government meetings, including Cabinet sessions.
The musician pledged to use his guitar skills to raise Sh500 million for cancer treatment equipment in February 2023 – something that never materialised.
“I will tour the county using my music to raise funds for a radiotherapy machine,” he announced.
Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and her husband Murega Baichu join in song during celebrations to mark 2022 Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nkubu Stadium on December 12, 2022
Photo credit: Charles Wanyoro I Nation Media Group
The visible presence in government circles drew criticism from leaders who questioned Mr Baichu’s legal standing.
“Can’t I sleep in the governor’s official residence or ride in government vehicles? I have sought Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission guidance on what meetings I’m allowed to attend,” Mr Baichu said at the time.
In the first impeachment bid, one charge against Ms Mwangaza involved vilification – with some statements attributed directly to Mr Baichu – including a war of words with Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi.
Though the charge was not upheld by the Senate, Mr Baichu’s musical jabs continued to sour relations between his wife and other leaders.
In January, he released a track accusing MCAs and senators of threatening his wife.
“They warned the governor against attending the deputy governor’s mother’s burial...Shame on Senators (Samson) Cherargei and Mundigi for meddling in Meru County. Shame on Senator Kathuri Murungi for fanning the flames,” he sang as a praise team danced.
The senators had attended the burial in Meru, where they supported the impeachment.
Despite his wife’s removal from office, he says the political journey is far from over.
“We can’t run as independents again. Mwangaza will soon unveil a political party, and she’ll be the party leader,” Mr Baichu said.
