UMP to field candidates in upcoming by-elections under Kawira Mwangaza’s leadership
By Valerian Khakayi, July 19, 2025The Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP) under the leadership of former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has announced its participation in the upcoming by-elections across Kenya.
This move marks a significant step in Mwangaza’s political comeback following her impeachment earlier this year.
Taking to her official social media channels, on Friday, July 18, 2025, Mwangaza named the seats for which the party will field candidates in the upcoming by-elections.
“UMOJA NA MAENDELEO Party will participate in the upcoming by-elections,” she announced.
By-election
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.
UMP
On July 4, 2025, the former governor was named the new leader of UMP. The announcement was made public by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) through a gazette notice, which confirmed she is taking over from Charles Wambora Mugambi.
According to the Registrar of Political Parties, Anne Nderitu, anyone who disagrees with Mwangaza’s appointment as party leader has seven days to submit their concerns in writing.
“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 said.
Mwangaza’s appointment came just three months after she revealed plans to leave the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). She had joined UDA after winning the Meru governor seat as an independent candidate in the 2022 general elections.
The recent changes in UMP go beyond just the party leader. Victor Koome Mwangaza will now be the deputy party leader, taking over from Haron Shamala Ipalasa. The party’s National Chairperson has also changed, with Miriam Karwira Guantai replacing Samuel John Njagi.
In the Treasury, Monicah Njeri Kagumo is the new official, replacing Catherine Wambeti, while Bernard Lenana Keen becomes the new Organising Secretary, replacing Christopher Kilonzo.
The role of Secretary of Women’s Affairs has gone to Alice Waithera Kamau, taking over from Jasmily Katana Ngoka. Lastly, the party’s headquarters has moved from a house in Embu town to Kamuketha Building in Meru.
The party will be officially launched on Saturday, July 19, 2025.