Former Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza. Photo/Courtesy
By Wanderi Kamau
Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s political career has been nothing short of dramatic, defined by her meteoric rise to power and an equally sensational downfall.
Once seen as a formidable disruptor of Meru patriarchal politics, Mwangaza made history in the 2022 elections by toppling political heavyweights, including Kiraitu Murungi and Mithika Linturi.
However, her tenure was marred by unending battles with the county assembly, culminating in her impeachment by the Senate, which the High Court upheld on Friday, March 14, 2025.
With this ruling, the last chapter of her tenure as governor has seemingly been written, marking the end of an intriguing political journey.
A meteoric rise against all odds
Kawira Mwangaza’s political career began in 2017 when she ran as an independent candidate for the Meru Woman Representative seat.
Against the odds, she clinched victory, defeating seasoned politicians. Her appeal lay in her grassroots approach, utilizing her position as a televangelist and philanthropist to win the trust of ordinary Meru residents.
Her biggest political upset, however, came in 2022 when she ran for the Meru gubernatorial seat, once again as an independent candidate. Despite facing stiff competition from seasoned politicians—Kiraitu Murungi, a political veteran who had served as governor, and Mithika Linturi, the then Senator—Mwangaza pulled off a stunning victory.
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Her triumph was widely attributed to her image as a ‘leader of the people,’ untainted by the traditional political baggage of her opponents. Her populist approach, coupled with promises of inclusivity and transparency, won her significant support across the county.
A troubled tenure: The beginning of the end
Mwangaza’s administration, however, was fraught with controversy from the start. Almost immediately after assuming office, she found herself at loggerheads with the Meru County Assembly.
Her leadership style, which many MCAs saw as autocratic and dismissive, created tensions that rapidly escalated. Political analysts argue that her failure to forge alliances within the county government was a critical mistake that eventually led to her downfall.
Dr James Mutunga, a political analyst, notes, “Kawira Mwangaza’s biggest undoing was her approach to governance. Politics is about negotiations and building relationships. She came in with an independent mindset, thinking that her popularity among the people was enough to govern without engaging other leaders. That was a fatal miscalculation.”
The first signs of trouble emerged when she attempted to appoint her husband, Murega Baichu, to an official role within her administration. The move sparked widespread criticism, with accusations of nepotism dominating public discourse.
Baichu, a musician, assumed the title of ‘Meru County’s First Gentleman’ and became a fixture in county affairs, often accompanying his wife to official events and allegedly influencing county decisions.
Political commentator Paul Muthomi states, “Murega Baichu’s involvement in county affairs turned what could have been mere political differences into a full-blown war. His presence in county matters, despite having no official role, angered many within the government and the public.”
Impeachment and political downfall
By late 2022, the conflict between Mwangaza and the county assembly had reached a boiling point. MCAs accused her of abuse of office, gross misconduct, and nepotism, particularly due to her husband’s role in county affairs. In December 2023, she faced her first impeachment, but the Senate overturned the decision, giving her a second chance.
However, the reprieve was short-lived. A fresh wave of accusations emerged, including claims of mismanagement of public funds, illegal appointments, and failure to cooperate with county legislators. The Senate ultimately upheld her second impeachment in early 2024, sealing her fate as Meru’s first governor to be removed from office.
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Following the High Court’s decision to uphold her impeachment, Mwangaza expressed her disappointment but maintained that her removal was politically motivated. “I fought for the people of Meru, and I will always stand for what is right. My removal is not about governance but about political vendettas. I leave with my head held high, knowing I did my best for my people,” she said in an emotional statement.
What next for Mwangaza?
With her impeachment upheld, the question now is: what next for Kawira Mwangaza? While some believe this marks the end of her political career, others argue that her resilience and connection with grassroots voters could see her make a comeback in future elections.
Political analyst Wycliffe Ombui believes Mwangaza still has a chance to revive her political career. “Kenyan politics has seen fallen leaders make strong comebacks. If she regroups, rebrands, and learns from her mistakes, she could still have a future in Meru politics. However, she will need to build alliances and adopt a more strategic approach to leadership.”
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