Ruto's only complete project in Meru is my impeachment, says Kawira Mwangaza

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza( 3rdleft) and her spouse Murega Baichu at the Milimani Law Courts on March 14, 2025. (David Gichuru, Standard)

Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, claiming that the only completed project under the Kenya Kwanza administration in Meru County was her impeachment.

Mwangaza accused the president of bowing to the blackmail of certain Meru leaders who pushed for her ouster through the county assembly.

A total of 47 out of 69 MCAs voted to impeach Mwangaza, a decision she attributes to the influence of the president, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, former Governor Kiraitu Murungi, and Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi.

“As we expect President Ruto’s development tour in Mt Kenya, particularly in Meru County, I want to point out that, after two and a half years, a section of MPs, the senator, current and former cabinet secretaries, PS, and 47 MCAs have only completed one project: the impeachment of Governor Kawira Mwangaza,” she said, claiming that leaders used threats to blackmail the president, warning they would decamp from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s camp unless she was removed.

Mwangaza went on to allege that while leaders from other regions were lobbying the State House for development projects for their people, Meru leaders had only one focus: her removal.

Mwangaza further suggested that the bitterness of her opponents, particularly male leaders, stemmed from their defeat at the ballot in 2022, where she triumphed over prominent figures, such as Linturi and Kiraitu Murungi.

She announced plans to establish a new political party aimed at championing the interests of her people. “We want to free our people from political servitude,” she declared. Her husband, Murega Baichu, added that the party would field candidates for governor, senator, MP, and MCA positions.

Mwangaza and President Ruto had a long-standing relationship, but their alliance soured following her impeachment, which she partly blames on the ruling UDA party.