Imanyara blames Kawira’s ouster on her independent status
By Luke Oluoch, July 19, 2025Politician and renowned lawyer Mugambi Imanyara has attributed Kawira Mwangaza’s political predicaments and subsequent ouster as Meru governor to her independent candidate status.
Speaking during the unveiling of the former governor’s new political outfit, Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP), on Saturday, July 19, 2025, Imanyara expressed optimism that Kawira, who survived two impeachment attempts before her luck ran out in the third, would reclaim her seat in the coming polls.
The lawyer argued that her impeachment motion would not have sailed through had she belonged to a party.
“You know, for you to heal, you have to know what ails you. The ailment that finished Kawira was that she did not belong to a party. She vied as an independent candidate; had she belonged to a party, she would have had enough members in the assembly to ensure that she would not get impeached,” he stated.
The politician further opined on his best bet to preclude future cases of impeachment.
“Going forward, let’s ensure that this UNM party votes in delegates in the county assembly and Nairobi to safeguard your governor. If you do that, this problem of impeachment will end in Meru.
“We also want Meru people to sit at the table in Nairobi, where others sit and decide affairs of the nation. Kenya is now a nation of a coalition of parties, and the support of other parties is crucial for survival,” he stated.
Imanyara’s comments come as the former governor led her Umoja na Maendeleo Party in a large-scale delegates recruitment drive on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at her ranch in Ntumbiri.
The party termed the function as part of its broader strategy to solidify its grassroots presence ahead of the 2027 general election.
In addition, Mwangaza heralded the party’s venturing into the upcoming by-elections and the 2027 polls.
“UMOJA NA MAENDELEO Party will participate in the upcoming by-elections,” she announced.
UMP is set to field a candidate for the Senate seat in Baringo County, while six candidates will contest the parliamentary seats in various constituencies.
“Parliamentary Seats: Magarini Constituency, Kilifi County, Banissa Constituency, Mandera County, Ugunja Constituency, Siaya County, Malava Constituency, Kakamega County, Mbeere North Constituency, Embu County and Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County,” Mwangaza said.
UMP will field nine candidates for county assembly positions in various wards across the country.
“Angata Nanyokie Ward, Kajiado County, Chewani Ward, Tana River County, Fafi Ward, Garissa County, Kisa East Ward, Kakamega County, Lake Zone Ward, Homa Bay County, Mumbuni Ward, Machakos County, Narok Town Ward, Narok County, Nyamaiya Ward, Nyamira County and Nyansiongo Ward, Nyamira County,” she added.