Why Kawira Mwangaza’s next stop might be the United Opposition
By Mabonga Makhanu, March 7, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appeared to soften his stance on Kawira Mwangaza, hinting at the possibility of the former county chief becoming part of the United Opposition formation.
Speaking during an interview with local media stations from Meru County on Friday, March 6, 2026, the outspoken former deputy president struck a conciliatory tone toward the impeached governor, repeatedly referencing her during the interview and including her among leaders aligned with the United Opposition in the county.
Gachagua noted that the opposition already has three individuals eyeing the Meru gubernatorial seat in the 2027 elections.
The leaders include Mwangaza; former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary and Party of National Unity leader Peter Munya, who recently decided to support his former interior counterpart Fred Matiang’i; and his successor, Mithika Linturi.
According to Gachagua, the three leaders are free to compete among themselves, adding that there is nothing wrong with them facing off in a democratic contest to determine the strongest candidate.
“Mimi sijasema sitaki Munya; kama Linturi atakuwa kwa debe kama Mwangaza atakuwa kwa debe, siwatamenyana, na ni wameru wataamua,” Gachagua said
He further explained that despite his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) planning to field candidates in all elective seats in Meru County, other parties such as PNU and Mwangaza’s Umoja na Maendeleo (UMP) Party will also be free to field their own candidates.
“Kawira alitendewa kinyama na mimi napinga na nilipinga sana na alitolewa kama nilitoka; nilikuwa nimekataa.”
Gachagua’s Take on Kawira’s Impeachment
Gachagua also sought to reassure Mwangaza regarding her impeachment, arguing that under the law she can only be barred from contesting for office after exhausting all available legal avenues.
“Nimeambia hata Mama Kawira, asijali, there is no problem atakuwa kwa debe.”
The former deputy president, who had largely remained silent on Mwangaza’s impeachment for a long time, broke his silence by condemning the process. He termed it inhumane to remove the governor from office, claiming that while he was still serving as deputy president, he fought hard to prevent her impeachment.
“Kawira alitendewa kinyama na mimi napinga na nilipinga sana na alitolewa kama nilitoka; nilikuwa nimekataa.”
However, according to him, the state was determined to push her out of office. He added that Mwangaza should have been allowed to complete her term instead of having it cut short.
Gachagua’s remarks come just days after Mithika Linturi, who also serves as the national organising secretary of Gachagua’s DCP party, appeared to soften his stance on the former governor. Linturi had previously been among the leaders at the forefront of calls for Mwangaza’s impeachment.
In a surprising shift, Linturi recently claimed that Ksh100 million was issued to facilitate Mwangaza’s removal from office.
Courting Kawira
The sudden shift by Rigathi Gachagua and Mithika Linturi, who are integral members of the United Opposition, in praising and appearing to be leaning towards Kawira Mwangaza is also a big deal in Meru County politics.
Mwangaza managed to dwarf two men in the 2022 Meru gubernatorial race, vying on an independent ticket.
It might be a matter of time before Kawira walks straight to be part of the United Opposition, which is seeking to be rebranded as the United Alternative Government, and be a principal in it.
Gachagua-Kawira bromance
Rigathi Gachagua’s bromance with Kawira Mwangaza is not new. After her first impeachment, he stepped in to solve the matter after calling the two teams, Kawira, the Meru County Assembly MCAs, and other leaders within Meru County who wanted Kawira out for a meeting in his office and managed to mediate the warring parties.
During her second impeachment in November 2024, Gachagua was advised by Meru leaders that he should take a back seat for the case to continue, and he accepted to do so.