Back in august 2022 after the general elections, Kawira Mwangaza made history as the first woman to win the gubernatorial seat of Meru county. What made the win more triumphant was that she vied as an independent candidate and she managed to acquire 209,148 votes, defeating UDA’s Mithika Linturi and former governor Kiraitu Murungi.
Later, in April 2024, she aligned herself with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), where she announced her intentions to contest the 2027 elections under their flag
However, Kawira Mwangaza’s Rising Career Came down Crumbling Unhindered after the county MCAs accused her of not involving them in matters of the county and disrespecting them. This led the MCAs to introduce an impeachment motion against the governor and even though she survived two impeachments motions, the MCAs still pushed for her impeachment and unfortunatetly she did not survive the third one as 49 out of the 69 MCAs voted yes for her impeachment. This led to Isaac Mutuma, her deputy, sworn in as governor shortly after.
Another Rise of Kawira Mwangaza
It is very correct to say that the former governor is indeed a fighter. As many thought that that was the end of a short lived era, Mwangaza has come out stronger and shocking a lot of individuals after she was named the party leader of Umoja na Maendeleo taking over from Charles Wambora Mugambi. This new development was revealed by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), and any person who was opposed to Mwangaza becoming the new party leader has been given seven days to provide their written submissions to the office of Registrar of Political Parties.
What this means for Kawira Mwangaza
- She will be able to bring herself from Party affiliation back to independence
Prior to her UDA affiliation, Mwangaza lacked structural party backing—something that analysts have argued made her vulnerable to impeachment actions
- She now has repositioned herself despite the Setbacks
Though she was impeached, Mwangaza has quickly dusted herself up and repositioned herself by leading a party, demonstrating resilience and political savvy. The party’s name, “Umoja na Maendeleo”, which means “Unity and Development,” signals themes likely to resonate with voters concerned about cohesion and progress
What’s Next?
- Party Building
As party leader, she may embark on recruitment drives, regional chapters, and platform development focused on Meru and beyond.
- Policy Agenda
We can expect her party to pivot messaging toward local development, women’s empowerment, and governance reforms.
- 2027 Elections
While she earlier pledged to contest under UDA, her new role might see her vie under her own party or forge new alliances ahead of the general election.
Summary
Kawira Mwangaza’s ascension to the leadership of Umoja na Maendeleo Party in July 2025 represents a pivotal moment in her political journey—a return to independent grounding with a formal party vehicle. After navigating affiliations and impeachments, she is now carving out a distinct identity, centered on unity and development. Her performance as party leader will shape whether she can rebuild political capital and influence ahead of Kenya’s 2027 elections.
