Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has launched a new political outfit, the Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP), as she positions herself for a political comeback ahead of the 2027 General Election. Speaking at her home in Ntumburi, Buuri Constituency, Mwangaza expressed optimism that UMP would clinch multiple Member of Parliament (MP) and Member of County Assembly (MCA) seats.
Mwangaza takes over as the new party leader from former Embu Governor Martin Wambora. She announced that UMP would field candidates in all upcoming by-elections, starting with Mbeere North constituency, promising transparent and fair nominations devoid of favoritism.
The former county chief, who was impeached three times during her tenure, attributed her political challenges to a lack of party backing. “I believe I was impeached through a phone call,” she claimed, adding that justice for Meru voters and Kenyan women must prevail.
Without declaring allegiance to President William Ruto or Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Mwangaza said her focus was on assessing leaders based on their development track record. “We want to ‘Skiza’, but we also want to see if there is development,” she said.
Mwangaza criticized leaders who allegedly orchestrated her removal and urged Meru voters to reject them in 2027. She compared her political resilience to the endurance of the gospel, stating, “When they killed Jesus, they thought they had won… when they impeached Mama, they thought they had won, but I am still strong.”
She affirmed her intention to reclaim the Meru governor’s seat if courts allow her to vie, stating she would fight for the justice of Meru residents.
UMP, she noted, will prioritize empowering low-income earners and supporting youth lacking financial muscle to contest. “Our party will not look at financial power but potential,” she said.
Defending her legacy, Mwangaza highlighted development projects including three dams, 40 boreholes, and strict oversight on public works. “I was not tolerating shoddy work,” she emphasized.
Mwangaza now plans to traverse Meru and beyond, building support for UMP and advocating for a people-first leadership agenda.
