Kawira Mwangaza Appointed as Party Leader of Umoja na Maendeleo
Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has officially become the new party leader of the Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP).
This major political move was confirmed by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), which issued a gazette notice announcing Mwangaza’s appointment to replace former leader Charles Wambora Mugambi.
According to the announcement by Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu, anyone who has objections or concerns about Mwangaza’s appointment has seven days from the date of the gazette notice to submit their concerns in writing 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 noted in the official statement.
Mwangaza’s rise to the top of the Umoja na Maendeleo Party comes just three months after she made public her decision to leave the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the party she joined after winning the Meru governorship in the 2022 general elections.
Although she was elected as an independent candidate, she later aligned herself with UDA after assuming office.
However, her time in office faced turbulence after she was impeached. She later blamed the UDA party—led by President William Ruto—for failing to support her during her removal from office.
Mwangaza felt that the party distanced itself from her at a critical time, despite her loyalty.
Her husband, Murega Baichu, had earlier claimed that elements within UDA were secretly involved in orchestrating her impeachment.
He further alleged that UDA only intervened when Cleophas Malala served as the Secretary-General. During that time, Malala wrote to the county government requesting the Members of County Assembly (MCAs) to halt the impeachment process.
Baichu also mentioned that Mwangaza was preparing to introduce a new political party, which she plans to use as her political vehicle in the upcoming 2027 general elections. The recent changes in UMP appear to be the beginning of that strategy.
As part of the leadership reshuffle within UMP, Mwangaza will be supported by Victor Koome Mwangaza as the Deputy Party Leader, replacing Haron Shamala Ipalasa.
The party’s top leadership saw several other new appointments, signaling a full-scale rebranding and restructuring of the party.
Samuel John Njagi, the outgoing National Chairperson, was replaced by Miriam Karwira Guantai. The position of National Treasurer also changed hands, with Monicah Njeri Kagumo taking over from Catherine Wambeti.
Additionally, Bernard Lenana Keen became the new Organising Secretary, replacing Christopher Kilonzo.
There were also changes in the party’s gender representation leadership, with Alice Waithera Kamau appointed as the new Secretary of Women’s Affairs, replacing Jasmily Katana Ngoka.
Moreover, the party’s headquarters has been relocated from its previous address in Embu town to a new office at the Kamuketha Building in Meru.
This move suggests the party may be looking to solidify its presence in Meru County as part of its future political ambitions under Mwangaza’s leadership.
With all these new developments, it’s clear that Kawira Mwangaza is preparing to make a strong political comeback, and the Umoja na Maendeleo Party will likely be her main platform heading into the next election season.
Join Gen Z New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
