By Peter Ochieng
It is official.
Meru governor, Bishop Kawira Mwangaza has joined President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
The first term county boss was elected as an independent candidate in 2022, having also been elected Meru county women representative as an independent candidate in 2017.
Speaking at the party headquarters in Nairobi on Wednesday, Mwangaza said she will defend her seat on the UDA party ticket in 2027.
“People have been asking me for direction come 2027. I am proud to now show the Meru people the way, the party is UDA,” she said.
“This is the Party where women belong,” she added.
She was received by party chairperson, Cecily Mbarire and secretary general, Cleophas Malala.
The governor has survived impeachment twice since being elected in 2022. She urged Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in Meru to collaborate with her in a bid to develop the county.
“As a mother, I plead with MCAs, let us work together. To all MPs, I know most of you are in UDA, let us work together.”
Meru, like other counties in Mt. Kenya is a UDA stronghold. However, Kawira Mwangaza overcame the UDA wave in 2022 to be elected as an independent candidate.
She was the only woman to be elected governor outside a political party. The other six were, and remain members of strong political parties.
They are; Gladys Wanga, Homebay (ODM), Susan Kihika, Nakuru (UDA), Cecily Mbarire, Embu (UDA), Anne Waiguru, Kirinyaga (UDA), Fatuma Achani, Lamu (ANC) and Wavinya Ndeti, Machakos (Wiper party).