Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and her driver were hospitalized on Saturday after police violently dispersed a church gathering, she was attending. The event, hosted by a local church, was abruptly interrupted when officers fired multiple teargas canisters, including one reportedly thrown into Mwangaza’s vehicle while she and her husband, Murega Baichu, were inside.
Mwangaza’s communications team confirmed that she was left temporarily unable to speak due to the teargas, while her driver sustained a head injury. The incident sparked outrage among her supporters and allies, who condemned the police action as excessive and politically motivated.
“This was a peaceful church event. Why would police come and disrupt us like that?” asked Nchamba Mbithi, a close ally of Mwangaza, during an emotional press briefing. Human rights lawyer Mugambi Imanyara, who was present, denounced the operation as unlawful and pledged to initiate legal proceedings against the authorities.
Authorities on the scene justified the crackdown by citing intelligence reports of possible clashes between rival political factions. However, Mwangaza’s team refuted the claims, insisting the event was purely religious.
Activist Michael Makarina accused top government officials of orchestrating a campaign of political persecution. “Deputy President, leave this woman alone!” he said.
Mwangaza, who has faced similar disruptions since leaving office, blamed the state for using security forces to suppress her voice. “The pattern is clear, targeting her events, frustrating her supporters, and weaponizing the police to silence her,” her team stated.
As of Sunday morning, police had not issued an official statement. Mwangaza’s legal team is expected to file a formal complaint in the coming days.
Written By Rodney Mbua
