Meru leaders and supporters have welcomed former governor Kawira Mwangaza’s nomination to a deputy party leader position in Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Movement, describing the move as a major political milestone for the county.
Buuri parliamentary aspirant John Kinoti said Mwangaza’s proposed appointment to the national leadership was a source of pride for Meru, dismissing claims that her association with the new political outfit had left supporters of her Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP) stranded.
“I want to categorically state that our party leader is strong, the party is strong and powerful, only that she has been promoted to being a national party leader,” Kinoti said.
Kinoti, while addressing journalists accompanied by several Mwangaza supporters maintained that Mwangaza remained their political leader and urged supporters to unite behind Linda Mwananchi and its presidential candidate, Sifuna.
“Our leader is none other than Mwangaza, but we are partners in Linda Mwananchi fully supporting presidential candidate Edwin Sifuna,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Former Tharaka Nithi Deputy Governor and the County’s Aspirant Eliud Mati Murithi said Linda Mwananchi is a big movement the reason so many parties are joining the Mwananchi movement and we will continue to supporting it.
“Mama Mwangaza has not abandoned UMP. We are lively and support Sifuna because he is the most loved candidate by Kenyans,” Murithi said.
Kinoti thanked Sifuna for recognising Mwangaza and called on leaders and supporters from Mt Kenya East to rally behind the movement as it builds its national presence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna announced the proposed leadership structure on Friday, naming Mwangaza alongside former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo and Mavoko MP Patrick Makau for deputy party leader positions.
The proposed appointments are expected to be presented to delegates for consideration at the movement’s National Delegates Convention scheduled for November 13.
Mwangaza responded to the announcement with a message of gratitude, thanking Sifuna and her supporters for their prayers and encouragement.
“The strongest people aren’t always the people who win, but the people who don’t give up when they lose,” she wrote on her Facebook page.
“Thank you for your support, prayers and wishes. Thank you, my H.E and Boss (Sifuna). Thank you, God is gracious. We have not abandoned, we have strengthened,” she added.
Kinoti also urged political leaders to embrace servant leadership, saying positions should be earned through commitment and service rather than demanded as rewards.
He said Mwangaza had demonstrated dedication to serving the people, earning their trust when they elected her governor of Meru County.
Kinoti challenged aspiring leaders to volunteer their time and work with communities even before securing elective positions, arguing that genuine leadership should be driven by the desire to improve people’s lives.
