Former Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza unveils a political party today (Saturday) as she seeks to outsmart her detractors in the 2027 general election.
Kawira, who was removed from office after force impeachment attempts by the county assembly, has risen from her fall to become a national party leader.
The former governor and her family members recently took over Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP), which was associated with former Embu Governor Martin Wambora.
She has invited hundreds of grassroots leaders eyeing tickets at the launch that will take place at Mwangaza’s Ntumburi residence.
UMP party launch is unique in that it will include donation of various tools including motorbikes, power saws, unga among others.
She takes over as interim party leader, her son Victor Koome as deputy party leader, her husband Robert Murega as interim Secretary General while her sister Miriam Karwirwa will serve as interim National chairperson.
Harisson Gatobu (aka Nchamba Mbithi) a close ally who served as her Chief of Staff, will be UMP’s Executive Director.
According to a gazette notice published on July 4 by the registrar of political parties Ann Nderitu, UMP headquarters moved from Embu to Kamuketha village, where the former governor has a palatial home and ranch.
Kawira, who has mastered the art of drawing masses to her political rallies, joins three other politicians from Meru including Kiraitu Murungi, Peter Munya and Mpuru Aburi, who are party leaders.
Kiraitu is the Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) leader while Munya head the Party of National Unity (PNU) and Mpuru leads the National Ordinary People’s Empowerment Union (NOPEU) party.
According to Kawira, her decision to establish a political party is out of bitter lessons learnt from her impeachment.
“If I had MCAs on my side, I could not have been impeached. We intend to have more than 45 elected and nominated MCAs in the Meru County Assembly after the 2027 elections. The strategies I will use will give me resounding victory in 2027,” Kawira said earlier.
She has severally vowed to teach the political bigwigs who supported her ouster a lesson in the next election.
UMP has also rolled out a membership drive as it eyes to strengthen its grassroots presence.
Kawira is keen on using her grassroots mobilization skills to rally voters to back her candidates ahead of 2027 elections.
The UMP interim leader said her party will have a strong presence in the upper eastern region and Central Kenya.
According to Nchamba Mbithi, the executive director, UMP intends to entrench public participation and equal opportunities for all members.
“Our party intends to give opportunities to leaders who have the support of the people even where they have no resources. This will ensure our part has MCAs and MPs who defend the interests of the people in the August house,” Nchamba Mbithi said.
He said the party will strengthen grassroots leadership through allocation of resources.
Ongratulation my gorvener mwangaza,still am your supporter.i request pastors to be supported with musical instruments and you start with me pliz,I wish you all the best to the launch of our new party ump