Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has landed a party leader role after she was named the new leader of the Umoja na Maendeleo Party.
The new development was revealed by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), which, through a gazette notice, disclosed that Mwangaza would take over from Charles Wambora Mugambi.
Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu gave any person who was opposed to Mwangaza becoming the new party leader seven days to provide their written submissions to her office.
“Any person with written submissions concerning the intended changes by the political party shall, within seven (7) days from the date of this publication, make their written submissions to the Registrar of Political Parties,” Nderitu stated.
Mwangaza’s new role comes three months after she announced plans to ditch the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the party she joined after she became Meru governor in the 2022 elections.
She was elected to the gubernatorial seat via an independent ticket but later joined UDA after her election. However, just years into her tenure, Mwangaza was impeached, accusing President William Ruto’s UDA of abandoning her during her ouster.
Her husband, Murega Baichu, had previously alleged that UDA had been pushing for Mwangaza’s impeachment behind the scenes despite his spouse’s loyalty to the party.
However, Baichu revealed that UDA only attempted to save Mwangaza when Cleophas Malala was the Secretary-General, with him writing to the county government and urging the Members of the County Assembly to cease the process.
In addition, the former First Gentleman had indicated that Mwangaza would soon reveal her new political outfit that she would use to vie for political office in the upcoming 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, other changes in the party outlined that Mwangaza was set to be deputised by Victor Koome Mwangaza, who will take over from Haron Shamala Ipalasa. UMP’s National Chairperson also changed, with Samuel John Njagi replaced by Miriam Karwira Guantai.
Changes were also seen in the Treasury position, where Monicah Njeri Kagumo would replace Catherine Wambeti. Bernard Lenana Keen was named the new Organising Secretary, taking over from Christopher Kilonzo.
The Secretary of Women's Affairs also changed hands, with Alice Waithera Kamau taking over from Jasmily Katana Ngoka. The party also changed its location, from a house in Embu town to the Kamuketha Building in Meru.
