Mwangaza set to launch Umoja na Maendeleo Party

Impeached Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza during a past press conference. [Phares Mutembei, Standard]

Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza is set to launch the Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP) on Saturday, July 19.

Mwangaza, the party leader, said the new outfit will be unveiled at her Ntumburi ranch in Buuri Constituency in Meru, before similar events are held in other parts of the country.

UMP's slogan 'utajiri kwa wote', or wealth for all', captures its vision of unity and economic empowerment of citizens, and Mwangaza said she wants to free the poor in the society and ensure they get the services, just like the wealthy.

Mwangaza, who has lodged an appeal against her impeachment, has already received former MPs and MCAs at her Ntumburi home, and she said she is working with leaders from Meru, Kamba, Rift Valley and other areas.

"We have come up with a political party that will champion the interests of the Meru and the rest of the country. We had to include leaders from other areas like North Eastern and Rift Valley so that we could come together to form a formidable party," Mwangaza said.

Mwangaza said the party will sponsor candidates for all political positions.

The formation of her party adds to the growing list of parties in Meru that are battling for support.

Former Meru Governors Peter Munya and Kiraitu Murungi are the leaders of the Party of National Unity (PNU) and the Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP), respectively.

Just like Mwangaza, Mr Munya, who has aligned himself with former Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang'i and other opposition figures, intends to try and recapture the Governor's seat on the former ruling party ticket.

Similarly, Tigania MP Mpuru Aburi is also the leader of the National Ordinary People's Union (Nopeu) party, which he used to win the seat and has two MCAs in the Meru Assembly.