Kawira Mwangaza is a prominent Kenyan preacher, entrepreneur and politician serving her first term as the Meru Governor. She is also a member of the Technical Committee on Resource Mobilization and Partnerships at the Council of Governors (CoG).
Kawira Mwangaza’s journey in politics began in 2017, when she was elected the Meru Woman Representative. In 2022, she joined the gubernatorial race as an independent, and trounced two bigwigs – Kiraitu Murungi and Mithika Linturi.
As the first female Governor in Meru County and a respected figure in Kenya, Mwangaza continues to inspire positive change and progress, embodying the spirit of resilience and service.
Early Life and Education
Kawira Mwangaza was born in 1973 in Buuri Constituency, Meru County, where she spent her formative years. Raised in a close-knit community, she developed a strong sense of compassion and service from an early age, which would later influence her career choices.
Primary Education: Mwangaza attended CCM Ontulili Primary School, where she successfully sat for her KCPE examinations. Thereafter, she faced bleak prospects for furthering her education due to financial challenges. She relocated to Marsabit, where she worked a house help at a relative’s residence.
Secondary Education: After nearly a year, an opportunity arose for Kawira to enroll at Moyale Girls, where she joined the inaugural class. Despite her background challenges, she emerged as the top candidate in Marsabit district, achieving a commendable C+ grade.
Post Secondary Studies: Kawira’s determination and passion for education saw her pursue several certificate courses. These include a Certificate in County Governance at Meru University and a Certificate in Project Monitoring and Evaluation at Makerere University in Uganda, among others.
Undergraduate Studies: Kawira Mwangaza pursued her undergraduate studies at the Kampala International University, where she graduated with a Bachelors degree in Education and Counselling. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Transformational Leadership from the Pan Africa Christian University.
| Level of Education | Institution | Qualification |
| Primary | Ontulili Primary School | KCPE |
| Secondary | Moyale Girls Secondary School | KCSE |
| Post Secondary | Meru University | Certificate in County Governance |
| Post Secondary | Istanbul University – Turkey | Certificate in Leadership, Ethics and Governance |
| Post Secondary | ESAMI | Certificate in Communication Information Technology |
| Post Secondary | Makerere University | Certificate in Project Monitoring and Evaluation |
| Post Secondary | Makerere University | Certificate in Human Resource Management |
| Undergraduate | Kampala International University | Bachelor of Education and Counselling |
| Undergraduate | Pan Africa Christian University | Bachelor of Arts in Transformational Leadership |
| Post Graduate | (Ongoing) | Master of Science in Governance, Peace and Security |
Career and Political Journey
Kawira Mwangaza’s career is multifaceted, reflecting her diverse interests and talents.
Entrepreneurial Success : Kawira is the founder of Mwangaza Distributors in Makutano Meru, where she served as CEO. Through her business ventures, she demonstrated leadership and innovation, contributing to economic growth and job creation in Meru County.
Buuri MP Contest: Her political journey started in Buuri constituency, where she made her debut bid for Member of Parliament in 2013, an endeavor that taught her a pivotal life lesson. She lost to Kinoti Gatobu.
“After the 2013 campaign, I realized that I had spent over Ksh 20 million. I was financially depleted and burdened with debt.” She reflects on her experience.
Back to Business: In a bid to recover, she and her husband, Murega Baichu, relocated to Ruai, where they ventured into selling onions and tomatoes in Kawangware and other parts of Nairobi.
Founder, Baite TV: Faced with financial hardship and uncertainty, the couple pivoted towards the media industry, laying the foundation for their service-oriented endeavors. They founded the first vernacular TV station in Meru and the larger Mt Kenya East region, Baite TV. Kawira’s experience in media provided her with valuable insights into communication and community engagement.
Woman Rep Contest: In 2017, Kawira Mwangaza went back to politics and was elected as the Meru Woman Representative on an Independent ticket, beating Jubilee’s Florence Kajuju. While in parliament, she served in the House Business Committee and the Committee on Communication, Information & Innovation. During her tenure as Woman Rep, Kawira conducted several empowerment initiatives that inspired her to seek the Meru County top seat.
Church Activities: Beyond her professional and political endeavors, Mwangaza is also a preacher and philanthropist. Together with her husband, Apostle Robert Murega Baichu, she runs the Baite Family Fellowship in Makutano, where they provide spiritual guidance. Her philanthropy activities are conducted through the popular Okolea Charity Initiative, a program that has for several years attracted sharp criticism from her political competitors.
First Female Meru Governor: In the 2022 General Elections, Mwangaza made history by winning the gubernatorial seat for Meru County, defeating incumbent Governor Kiraitu Murungi (Mbus) and Mithika Linturi (UDA). She garnered 209,148 votes with Linturi coming in second with 183,859 votes. Kiraitu was a distant third with 110,814 votes.
Kawira’s 2022 victory signaled a new chapter in Meru’s political landscape, with promises to eradicate devolved corruption and prioritize development, transparency and inclusive governance.
Family Life
Kawira Mwangaza is married to Robert Murega Baichu, a popular Meru musician and preacher.
Their union, celebrated in May 2018, brought together their shared values of faith, service and community development. Mwangaza’s marriage has been a source of strength and support throughout her career.
As a preacher and philanthropist, Kawira Mwangaza is committed to giving back to society and uplifting the less fortunate.
Through her church and other charitable endeavors, she provides assistance to vulnerable individuals and communities, embodying the principles of compassion and social responsibility.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Kawira Mwangaza has achieved numerous milestones and earned recognition for her exemplary leadership.
- Established Mwangaza Distributors in Makutano, Meru, serving as CEO, contributing to local economic growth and job creation.
- Founded Baite TV, the first vernacular TV station in Meru and the larger Mt Kenya East region, showcasing innovation and leadership in media.
- Elected as the Woman Representative for Meru County in 2017, advocating for women’s rights and spearheading empowerment initiatives. Was severally ranked as the best Woman Representative in terms of performance and NGAAF resources management.
- Won the gubernatorial seat for Meru County in the 2022 General Elections, making history as the first woman to win the seat in Meru, by defeating incumbent Governor Kiraitu Murungi and former Senator Mithika Linturi.
- Has been recognized for prioritizing development, transparency and inclusive governance in her tenure as governor, promising to uplift Meru’s political landscape.
- Co-runs the Baite Family Church in Meru with her husband, Apostle Robert Murega Baichu, providing spiritual guidance to the community.
- Leads the Okolea Initiative, a philanthropic program benefiting thousands of needy families in Meru for over 7 years.
- Holds the distinction of being the first woman Governor in Meru County since the inception of devolution, surviving three impeachment attempts in less than 2 years, showcasing resilience and leadership.
Controversies
While Kawira Mwangaza’s career has been largely successful, she has faced her share of controversies and challenges. Below are the most notable:
First Impeachment: In December 2022, Governor Kawira successfully navigated an impeachment motion against her, sponsored by Abogeta West MCA, Kiogora DMK (‘Mbus’ Party). An 11-member Senate Special Committee dismissed the charges of misappropriation of county resources, nepotism and unethical practices for lack of evidence.
Second Impeachment: In November 2023, Mwangaza faced a second impeachment attempt, which was led by Mitunguu MCA, Evans Mawira Kaaria (UDA). This time, the allegations of funds misappropriation, nepotism, bullying and vilification of other leaders among others, were heard in full plenary. The Senate unanimously voted against all the seven charges, and instead condemned the chauvinistic behaviors exhibited by the Meru Senator (Kathuri Murungi), MPs and MCAs.
Wrongful Arrest: On October 18, 2023, Governor Kawira Mwangaza was arrested while delivering a dairy cow to a needy family in Ruiga, Imenti Central. She attributed the arrest to political persecution, happening amidst an impending impeachment motion by MCAs. The police later apologized, attributing the arrest to a case of mistaken identity.
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