Mwangaza quits UDA after impeachment, plans new party

Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza. [File, Standard]

Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has left President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) after her impeachment, blaming the party for her removal.

 Mwangaza, who was ousted by the Senate after an impeachment motion sponsored by UDA-affiliated Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), plans to launch a new political party ahead of the 2027 elections, according to her husband, Murega Baichu.

 “Even as we wait for the case at the Appeal Court, we have a party already registered. We will have a candidate in the 2027 election,” said Baichu.

 Mwangaza’s deputy, Mutuma M’Ethingia, is set to be sworn in as governor on Monday, March 17.

 Two of Mwangaza’s three impeachment motions were sponsored by UDA MCAs.

The second unsuccessful motion was tabled by Evans Mawira, while the third, which led to her removal, was initiated by UDA Nominated MCA Zipporah Kinya, the deputy majority leader.

The first attempt had been brought by Abogeta West MCA Dennis Kiogora of the Devolution Empowerment Party.

 Mwangaza joined UDA in April 2023 after winning the governorship as an independent candidate in 2022.

Then-UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala received her into the party and later attempted to block the impeachment motion, urging Kinya to withdraw it. However, UDA MCAs ignored his plea and proceeded with the ouster.

 Baichu accused UDA of betrayal and linked Malala’s removal as secretary general to his defence of Mwangaza.

 “I had also registered as a UDA member and announced my intention to vie for a leadership position. After Malala wrote to Kinya asking her to withdraw the motion, he was removed from party leadership within weeks,” said Baichu.

 He said Mwangaza and her team had supported Ruto’s agenda, including promoting government initiatives in Meru, but felt undermined by UDA’s role in her impeachment.

 “We respect our President, but UDA led efforts to remove Mwangaza,” he said. “After the party launch, she will announce its political direction.”

 Baichu also blamed Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi and UDA MPs for supporting Mwangaza’s ouster.

 Mugambi Imanyara, secretary general of the Devolution Empowerment Party, claimed the MPs pushed for Mwangaza’s removal despite her legitimate election.

 “We are mourning because the will of the people has been ignored. We will not accept that,” said Imanyara.

 He hinted at realigning politically but did not confirm whether Mwangaza’s camp would join Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has also accused Ruto of sidelining him.

 “You have killed the rights of the Meru people by illegally removing Mwangaza. We are not going to allow cartels to hold sway in Meru,” he said.

 Imanyara said Mwangaza will be on the ballot in 2027, adding, “The Meru people are going to defend their rights. This battle has just started.”