Mwangaza plans revenge on leaders who supported her ouster

Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza blamed her opponents for hounding her out of office unfairly, pointing to the development projects she had initiated. [File, Standard]

Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has declared a political war against 49 MCAs and 10 Meru MPs who backed her impeachment.

Ms Mwangaza, who launched her Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP) last week, exuded confidence that its candidates will sweep the MCAs and MPs out of power.

She also wants to see Meru Senator and Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi and Governor Isaac Mutuma, who she accused of siding with her opponents, out of power.

The MCAs who impeached her were 49, but she also blamed the Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, Woman Rep Karambu Kailemia, Nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni, former Governor Kiraitu Murungi, and former CS Mithika Linturi as among those who supported her impeachment.

"The betrayers who tried to kill my political dreams must be swept out of office. In 2027, we want leaders who will uphold the constitution, and UMP will present candidates who will protect the constitution," she said.

She blamed her opponents for hounding her out of office unfairly, pointing to the development projects she had initiated.

"It is very painful when I remember what I went through. From the first month of assuming office, before I had even received my first salary, over 70 men came together and plotted against me. They incited the County Assembly to impeach me, because they were bitter I had won the (2022) election," she claimed.

Mwangaza said her political opponents pleaded with the presidency to have her out of office, in return for their support for President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

"Their wish for the presidency was not development projects but my ouster. When they were asked by the President what they wanted, they did not say water, roads or education projects. Their only wish was to help get me out of the office. They killed the dreams of a leader because they were not ready to accept women's leadership."

She defended her development record in the two years she was Governor, claiming she was hounded out of office because she had sealed corruption loopholes that had seen public resources controlled by a cartel.

Governor Isaac Mutuma, however, has dismissed Mwangaza and her party as insignificant.

"This party (UMP) will not advance the interests of the people of Meru. It is for her own interests. Kawira had her opportunity to lead for two and a half years, and I also have my time. Our respective records will be judged by the people who will have a choice between me, Kawira, and others," Mr Mutuma said.