Impeached Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has made a political comeback after being named the new party leader of Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP).
According to a gazette notice dated July 1 and published by the Registrar of Political Parties, Ann Nderitu, Mwangaza takes over the position from Charles Wambora Mugambi.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 20(1)(c) and (e) of the Political Parties Act, 2011, the Registrar of Political Parties gives notice that Umoja Na Maendeleo Party (UMP) intends to make changes to its details,” read the notice in part.
“Any person with written submissions concerning the intended changes by the political party shall, within seven (7) days from the date of publication, make their written submissions to the Registrar of Political Parties.”
Kawira Mwangaza Named New Umoja na Maendeleo Party Leader
Mwangaza’s rise comes after she exited President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and blamed the party for orchestrating her impeachment.
She joined UDA in April 2023 after winning the Meru governorship as an independent candidate in 2022.
Following her ouster by the Senate in a motion sponsored by UDA-affiliated MCAs, Mwangaza began mobilizing support for a new political outfit ahead of the 2027 elections. She has since been recruiting leaders for the party’s formal launch.
“Very soon I will be with leaders from Meru, Kamba, Rift Valley, and other areas. We have come up with a political party that will champion the interests of the Meru people and the rest of the country,” she said. “We had to include leaders from regions like Northeastern and Rift Valley so that we can form a formidable party.”
Also Read: Ruto Reveals His Role in Kawira Mwangaza’s Impeachment
Mwangaza said Kenyans should expect a strong political force that will field candidates for all elective positions in 2027, including MP, Senator, MCA, Woman Representative, and Governor.
“We are going to have a pro-citizen party that will champion Meru interests. Our party will reflect the true face of Meru and will not be under the control of a single individual like some other parties,” she said.
Although she did not indicate which coalition her party will join, Mwangaza said the new formation will empower the region to negotiate with others sharing a similar development agenda.
She will be deputized by Victor Koome Mwangaza, while Miriam Karwirwa Guantai will serve as the national chairperson. Robert Murage Rimberia has been named the party’s Secretary-General.
Head Office and Address of UMP Changed
The party has also changed its head office location. Previously based at House Number KARI/23G/300 in Embu Town along the Embu–Meru Highway, the new office is now located at Kamutheka Building, Meru–Isiolo Road, Meru.
In addition, the party has updated its postal address. The previous postal address, P.O. Box 265-60100, Embu, has been replaced with the new address: P.O. Box 2269-60200, Meru.
Mwangaza’s appointment as the party leader of UMP adds to the growing number of political outfits in Meru vying for public support.
Former Governors Peter Munya and Kiraitu Murungi lead the Party of National Unity (PNU) and Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP), respectively.
Also Read: Blow to Gachagua as Mwangaza Attends Ruto Event After His Passionate Plea
Similarly, Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi heads the National Ordinary People’s Empowerment Union (NOPEU), the party on which he was elected, and which has two MCAs in the Meru County Assembly.
UMP was formed through a change in particulars of the Millennium Party of Kenya. The change involved the party name, abbreviation, and a change in the location of the party’s headquarters.
The party was officially registered and received its certificate on May 21, 2012.
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