Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has officially become the new leader of the Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP). This 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 comes 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.

New political path hinted

Although she later became a member of UDA, Mwangaza was impeached from her position as governor. She accused UDA and President William Ruto’s allies of abandoning her during the impeachment process.

Her husband, Murega Baichu, had previously claimed that UDA was secretly supporting the push to remove her from office, despite her loyalty to the party. Baichu added that UDA only stepped in to help when Cleophas Malala was still the Secretary-General. Malala had written to the Meru County Assembly, asking them to stop the impeachment proceedings.

Baichu also hinted earlier that Mwangaza would soon announce her new political party, which she would use to run for office again in the 2027 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.