Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s husband, Murega Baichu, has declared his intention to contest the Meru gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, setting the stage for a potential political showdown with Senator Kathuri Murungi.
Baichu announced his candidature on Friday, November 6, 2026, hours after Kathuri officially declared his intention to succeed Governor Isaac Mutuma in the upcoming elections.
Speaking during a public address, Baichu said he had previously promised to reveal his political ambitions after his wife’s removal from office, adding that the senator’s announcement had prompted him to make his position public.
He vowed to challenge individuals he accused of controlling Meru County’s affairs and exploiting its resources, describing them as cartels that needed to be removed.
“There is something I said many days ago after Kawira was removed from office. Today, Kathuri Murungi has said that he will vie for governor in 2027. As Murega Baichu, I also want to declare my candidature,” he said.
Baichu expressed confidence in his ability to confront what he termed powerful cartels allegedly benefiting from the county’s resources.
He appealed to Meru residents to support his bid, saying he was seeking an opportunity to work with them to address challenges facing the county.
“I have a feeling that God has given me the ability to remove all these cartels that are eating Meru, and I want you people to join hands with me to remove them,” he added.
He appealed to Meru residents to support his bid, saying he was seeking an opportunity to work with them to address challenges facing the county.
The former governor’s husband also confirmed that he would seek the seat on a Umoja na Maendeleo Party ticket, urging residents to pray for him and help popularise his candidature.
“I want you to give me energy and support me as I vie for Meru governor under the Umoja na Maendeleo Party. I want you people to pray for me and also speak positively about me and how I intend to save and fix Meru by removing these cartels,” he stated.
Baichu had previously hinted at joining elective politics, saying he would announce his decision once Kathuri disclosed the position he intended to contest in the 2027 General Election.
He had maintained that his decision to enter the race would not depend on whether the senator chose to contest for a Member of County Assembly (MCA), Member of Parliament, governor or president.
Meanwhile, Kathuri announced his gubernatorial ambitions earlier on Friday, saying he had concluded consultations with his family before deciding to pursue the county’s top seat.
The senator said he had listened to the wishes of Meru residents and believed they wanted him to take over the county’s leadership when the current administration’s term ends in 2027.
“I have listened to the people of Meru, and they want me to take them forward from 2027 as their governor,” he said.
Kathuri further pledged to continue supporting incumbent Governor Isaac Mutuma until the end of his term but maintained that he was prepared to take over leadership after the next General Election.
He also insisted that the Meru gubernatorial seat should remain under the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), warning that he would seek to prevent the party from losing the position to the opposition.
Baichu’s entry into the race introduces another contender in the increasingly competitive Meru gubernatorial succession contest, with his announcement coming just hours after Kathuri made his ambitions public.
The 2027 contest is expected to attract more political players as aspirants position themselves to succeed Mutuma.
