Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi has signalled a softer approach towards former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza despite years of political conflict between the two leaders.

Speaking during a church service in Meru on Saturday, May 24, 2026, Mpuru questioned why people would oppose him greeting Mwangaza after her removal from office.

“Me as Mpuru M’Aburi right now, if I want to greet Kawira Mwangaza, is anything wrong? And I will greet her. I will greet Kawira and leave them ashamed,” he said.

The MP then referred to other former Meru leaders he had previously fought politically before later reconciling with them.

“When Munya left office, it was Mpuru who orchestrated it. I greeted him. Kiraitu, the same; I greeted him. Kawira also left, and now I want to greet her. Is there anything wrong?” he added.

His remarks have attracted attention in Meru because of his long and public political battle with Mwangaza.

Mpuru was among the strongest critics of Mwangaza during her time as governor. He openly supported attempts by Members of the County Assembly to remove her from office and regularly accused her of poor leadership and creating divisions within the county government.

Their fallout became national news in 2023 during one of Mwangaza’s impeachment hearings before the Senate. Videos were played during the proceedings showing Mpuru making harsh remarks against the governor in the vernacular.

Some of the comments touched on Mwangaza’s personal life and marriage. The clips caused outrage among senators and sections of the public, with some leaders accusing the MP of using abusive and demeaning language.

After recording a statement with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations over the matter, Mpuru claimed the videos had been edited to damage his image.

“Ile mambo yote ilikuwa edited, hakuna mambo ya ukweli,” he said at the time.

Even after Mwangaza survived that impeachment attempt in 2023, the political hostility between the two camps continued.

Former rivals reconcile

The Meru County Assembly later impeached Mwangaza again in August 2024. This time, the Senate upheld the impeachment and she eventually lost her seat after the courts backed the decision in 2025.

Several leaders from Meru, including former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, have since spoken openly about the intense political operations that surrounded her removal from office.

Linturi, who was among those who pushed for Mwangaza’s impeachment, later made a dramatic public apology. Speaking during a church service on March 8, 2026, he asked the former governor to forgive him.

“So, my sister, I’m sorry, nisamehe, na mimi nimekusamea. Mimi nataka tuungane pamoja tusonge mbele,” Linturi said.

He told worshippers that political forces had pushed leaders against each other and insisted the conflict was not personal.

“Mimi niligonganishwa na sister yetu hapa ambaye anaitwa Kawira Mwangaza,” he added.

Despite leaving office, Mwangaza remains politically active in Meru. She continues to hold public meetings, attend opposition events and mobilise supporters across the county ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Her supporters still view her as a strong grassroots leader who challenges established political networks in Meru. She has also linked herself to the opposition-backed Linda Mwananchi movement, where she has appeared alongside figures such as James Orengo and Godfrey Osotsi.

Political rivalry within the opposition camp has also complicated Meru politics. Leaders such as Linturi and former governor Peter Munya have clashed repeatedly in recent months, including at funerals and political rallies, where disagreements over leadership and mobilisation have spilled into public view.

Despite these tensions, Mpuru’s latest remarks now suggest he may be trying to lower political temperatures after years of confrontation.

However, it remains unclear whether the comments signal a genuine reconciliation or are part of shifting alliances taking shape in Meru ahead of the 2027 elections.