Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza is today overseeing the launching of her new political outfit, the Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP).

The UMP Party is being launched at Canaan Ranch Stadium in Ntumburi in Buuri Constituency, Meru County.

Kawira, who was impeached by the Senate in August 2024, says the party will field candidates in upcoming by-elections.

Taking to his Facebook page on Friday, July 18 evening, Kawira said that UMP will field a candidate in the Baringo senatorial by-election. The seat was left vacant after the death of William Cheptumo in February 2025.

According to Kawira, the party will also field six candidates in the Magarini, Banissa, Ugunja, Malava, Mbeere North and Kasipul parliamentary by-elections.

The party, Kawira says, will also field nine candidates for the Angata Nanyokie, Chewani, Fafi, Kisa East, Lake Zone, Mbumbuni, Narok Town, Nyamaiya and Nyansiongo wards by-elections.

Photos of the ongoing UMP Party launch

The Office Registrar of Politicial Parties (ORPP) on July 4, 2025 announced Kawira as the leader of the political outfit, taking over from Charles Wambora Mugambi.

Kawira’s appointment as UMP leader came just three months after she revealed plans to ditch President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party. She joined UDA immediately after security the gubernatorial seat as an independent candidate in 2022 General Election.