Kenya is set for another dynamic shift as former Governor Kawira Mwangaza officially unveils her new political outfit: the Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP). This strategic move, announced from her Ntumburi home in Buuri Constituency, unequivocally signals Mwangaza's unwavering determination to remain a formidable force in the nation's often-turbulent political currents, despite facing a recent impeachment.
Mwangaza, whose tumultuous tenure as governor saw her survive three impeachment attempts before the High Court of Kenya finally upheld her removal on March 15, 2025, is clearly not one to be easily deterred. Her deputy, Isaac Mutuma, was subsequently sworn in as the 4th Governor of Meru County on March 17, 2025. According to Mwangaza, her past political woes were largely attributable to a critical vulnerability: the absence of a strong, dedicated party backing her. The UMP, previously under the leadership of former Embu Governor Martin Wambora, is now her chosen vehicle to rectify this perceived weakness.
However, the launch of UMP has not been without its immediate controversies. Critics and political observers have raised significant eyebrows over Mwangaza's decision to appoint her close family members—specifically her husband, Murega Baichu, her son, and her sisters—to key leadership positions within the party. This move has swiftly ignited accusations of nepotism, sparking a familiar debate about the ethical considerations of family appointments within political structures in Kenya, where such practices often draw scrutiny.
During the party's launch, Mwangaza declared UMP's ambitious intent to field candidates in all upcoming by-elections across the country, commencing with the Mbeere North constituency. Addressing the concerns about fairness, she pledged transparent nomination processes to ensure that favoritism is avoided, aiming to draw a clear line between the party's internal operations and the criticisms leveled against her personal appointments.
Despite the recent impeachment and the current wave of criticism, Mwangaza remains defiant. She hinted at a potential comeback, either through a favorable court ruling on her impeachment appeal or via a recall election in 2027, vowing to "soldier on" against her detractors. This resilience and fighting spirit, characteristic of her political career, suggest that her new party is not merely a symbolic gesture but a deliberate step towards regaining political ground.
