There was drama in Meru County on Sunday, May 11, after former Governor Kawira Mwangaza got into a heated clash with police officers during a church function.
What was supposed to be a peaceful religious event turned chaotic when authorities tried to stop the gathering, causing serious tension between her supporters and the police.
The incident began calmly, with Mwangaza seen speaking directly to an officer, seeking answers about why one of the vehicles in her convoy had been blocked from accessing the venue.
She firmly explained that she was holding a church meeting, as a bishop, and questioned why such a gathering on a Sunday was being treated like a crime.
“This is a church service, not a political rally,” Mwangaza told one officer. “What wrong have we done? You’ve already taken away my seat as governor, and now you want to stop me from worshipping with people? This is unfair.” Her frustration was clear as she tried to reason with the officers on the ground.
According to Mwangaza, all the proper procedures had been followed. She claimed the relevant authorities were informed about the meeting earlier in the week, as required under the Public Order Act Cap 56, which governs public gatherings in Kenya.
However, the police stood firm, saying that no public meeting would be allowed to take place without proper security arrangements.
This disagreement caused growing unrest among her supporters, who viewed the police presence as intimidation and an attempt to silence Mwangaza.
As tensions boiled over, one police officer reached for a teargas canister in an effort to disperse the crowd, which had grown more restless. This move sparked a scuffle, and the situation quickly spiraled out of control.
Amid loud chants of “Mama! Mama!” from her supporters, the former governor bravely stepped in and tried to prevent the officer from throwing the teargas.
She continued to question the use of force, especially since the crowd had remained peaceful up to that point.
The reason behind the police action remains unclear. However, speculation is growing that it could be linked to Mwangaza’s recent political moves.
She has been organizing meetings with various leaders in preparation for the launch of her own political party, which may have drawn the attention of authorities.
Just days earlier, on Monday, May 5, Mwangaza publicly announced that preparations for her new political party were underway.
She revealed that although the party would not field a presidential candidate, it would have strong roots in Meru and collaborate with leaders from other parts of the country. The official launch, she said, would be coming soon.
The dramatic events in Meru have sparked public debate about political freedom, religious gatherings, and the rights of former leaders to organize public events without interference.
Many Kenyans are now watching closely to see how Mwangaza’s political journey unfolds.
Join Gen Z New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
