On April 3, 2023, Governor Kawira Mwangaza of Meru County officially became a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), led by President William Ruto. This significant move was marked by her reception at the UDA headquarters in Nairobi, where she was warmly welcomed by UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala and Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, who also serves as the Governor of Embu.
Having secured her position as Meru Governor in the 2022 general elections as an independent candidate, Governor Mwangaza expressed her commitment to defend her seat under the UDA banner in the upcoming 2027 elections. In a press briefing held at the UDA headquarters, she affirmed her decision, stating, “People have been asking me for direction come 2027. I am proud to now show Meru people the way, the party is UDA.”
Governor Mwangaza also extended an appeal to Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from Meru, urging collaboration in improving the welfare of residents. Addressing them, she emphasized, “As a mother, I plead with MCAs, let’s work together. To all MPs, I know most of you are in UDA, let us work together.”
Prior to her gubernatorial victory in 2022, Kawira Mwangaza had served as the Meru Woman Representative in 2017, initially as an independent candidate. Her decision to join UDA coincided with the formal departure of Silas Jakakimba, a former aide to Raila Odinga, from the ODM party to the ruling UDA on April 2.
In another development, UDA unveiled a comprehensive schedule for grassroots elections, comprising four phases set to run from April to August 2024.
