Political analyst Julius Mugambi Kiroria has dismissed the recent launch of Umoja Na Maendeleo party (UMP) by the former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s terming it as a show off and disgrace to the Meru community and Kenya in general.
In a strongly worded media briefing in Meru town, Kiroria said the party is a family-centric affair that fails to represent the broader Ameru community or demonstrate national leadership.
He also points out that the party’s structure appears to lack inclusivity and unity, given that most leadership positions are held by Mwangaza’s family members.
There has been heated debate after Mwangaza launched her UMP party which is led by family members contrary to the expectations of many residents.
“We anticipated to see the face of the nation in the leadership and representation within the party top organ. If it was a regional party, why is it all about family affairs. Only Harrison Gitonga (former Governor Mwangaza’s chief of staff) is not Mwangaza’s family. Why launch a national party at her home and have it’s headquarters at her home,” he said.
Kiroria said they were waiting to hear if the party would champion for unity and entrench precepts of the Kenyan constitution that never happened.
Kiroria said Mwangaza should not be over excited being a party leader because the court of appeal is yet to deliver a ruling on her impeachment case.
“The party has started on the wrong footing. The Former Governor Kawira Mwangaza used unpalatable words to discredit Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia’s government. The party leader is Mwangaza, her husband is secretary, sister and son are part of leadership in the party. The party lacks inclusivity and unity,” he said.
Kiroria said the former Governor is a self centred leader who does not care about equity, unity and equal representation.
“If I were to advise Mwangaza, she should talk less in order to maintain her reputation. Why accuse M’Ethingia of doing little tangible developments whereas all staff serving under him were employed by her. Her goose is already cooked,” he said.
Speaking on Saturday at home in Ntumburi, Buuri constituency last week, while unveiling UMP party Mwangaza rallied Meru voters to reject her ouster.
Mwangaza exuded confidence that her party, UMP, will scoop several MPS and MCAS in 2027.
The party was formerly led by former Embu governor Martin Wambora.
The former county boss said they will have candidates in all by by-elections that will be declared by IEBC, starting with Mbeere North constituency.
“If there is more than one interested candidate, we will do fair nominations. We will not have favouritism,” she said.
Mwangaza said she had faced many political woes, including three impeachments, because she didn’t have a political party.
She urged Meru residents to vote out all leaders who orchestrated her impeachment in the 2027 general elections.
