Police halt former Governor Mwangaza’s rally in Meru

Tensions flared in Meru County on Sunday, May 11, 2025, when a confrontation broke out between residents and police after former Governor Kawira Mwangaza was barred from conducting one of her signature ‘Okolea’ outreach events in Igoji.

A video shared by Kawira on her Facebook page captured the moment crowds began to scatter before moving toward the entrance of the venue, where her convoy had come to a standstill as it awaited clearance to proceed inside.

Tensions escalated when Kawira alighted from her car and confronted the police officers barring her entry, demanding an explanation for the sudden obstruction of her planned rally.

She insisted the event had been officially cleared a week prior by the County Commissioner.

"Why is there an issue now? I personally spoke with the County Commissioner and secured a permit. I even wrote to him a week ago to confirm this event. So how come, after we’ve publicized the meeting all week, we’re being stopped this morning?" she questioned, visibly furious as she addressed one of the officers.

The impasse persisted for hours as Kawira refused to back down, creating a scene and insisting that her political associate, Michael Makarina, be allowed into the venue, citing his physical disability and right to attend.

"Tell Makarina to come too. Let him in because he is living with a disability and cannot walk. What kind of disrespect is this?" she exclaimed in frustration.

As tensions heightened, Kawira stood her ground, asserting that the event in question was a church crusade, not a political assembly.

She expressed concern over what she perceived as selective enforcement, questioning why she was facing police interference while other Meru leaders conducted public gatherings without disruption.

"Can someone explain what's really happening here? Aren’t other leaders also organizing public events in Meru? Why am I being singled out?" she questioned.

Kawira went on to remind the officers that she holds the title of bishop alongside her political role, questioning the logic behind halting a church function without any prior warning.

"I'm a bishop—surely you should know that—and I’m here for a church event, not a political one. Are you saying church meetings are now banned in Meru? This crusade was advertised on television all week. Why didn't you raise concerns then? Why show up now and claim there’s a problem?" she challenged.

Kawira alleged that she had received reports suggesting Senator Kathuri Murungi had mobilized youths to disrupt the gathering.

She questioned why law enforcement seemed unconcerned about that, yet were quick to confront her, despite her peaceful intentions.

The former Meru Governor said the initial sight of police officers led her to believe they had come to provide security, only for her to realize, with dismay, that their mission was quite the opposite.

"I heard yesterday that Senator Kathuri and some MCAs were paying young people to stir up trouble. Instead of protecting us, the citizens, you're aligning with those trying to silence a woman," she said.

"That’s opposition politics, and it’s deeply unfortunate. Who gave you these orders? Why let us travel all the way here only to block us? How long will this suffocation continue?"

Kawira warned that the persistent intimidation might eventually force her out of Meru altogether.

She demanded that the police allow the rally to continue and ensure her safety, especially given the large crowd that had already assembled.

She further claimed that those behind the disruption were the same figures who pushed for her impeachment, adding that their actions were driven by fear of her growing support ahead of the 2027 elections.