NAIROBI, Kenya—The Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) has condemned an attack on former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Meru County, calling for investigations into an incident that reportedly left vehicles in her convoy damaged, equipment stolen and several members of her staff injured.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the movement said the incident occurred on Tuesday at Githongo Market in Central Imenti, where Mwangaza had been invited by the County Commissioner to attend the national celebrations.
The alleged attack occurred as the former governor and her entourage attempted to access the venue, where her successor, Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia, was presiding over the county celebrations.
Through its Head of Communication, Pauline Njoroge, the movement said Mwangaza had a right to attend a public national event without facing violence or intimidation, irrespective of her political affiliation.
“Beyond that invitation, she had every right as a Kenyan to attend a public national celebration without being subjected to violence and intimidation. Mashujaa Day belongs to all Kenyans, regardless of their political affiliation,” the statement said.
The condemnation comes amid a series of reported confrontations involving Mwangaza and her supporters in Meru County, raising concerns about political intolerance ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The latest incident followed an earlier confrontation on Sunday, October 18, at Gituine Village in Igembe Central, where Mwangaza’s charity programme, Okolea, was reportedly disrupted by suspected attackers.
During the incident, items intended for distribution to residents were reportedly taken. Equipment belonging to her husband, musician Murega Baichu, including a guitar and a public address system, was also reported stolen.
Baichu subsequently appealed to members of the public to help identify the suspected attackers, while Mwangaza called on security agencies to intervene over the reported incidents.
The former governor has also alleged that groups of youths, some reportedly armed with pangas, had been mobilised in parts of Meru to intimidate her political camp. The allegations have not been independently verified.
The Linda Mwananchi Movement also criticised the Council of Governors over what it described as the council’s silence on alleged threats and intimidation targeting Mwangaza and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
Njoroge said the council had a responsibility to defend the safety and dignity of serving and former governors regardless of their political affiliations.
“The Council must speak out against political persecution and defend the safety and dignity of serving and former governors, regardless of their political affiliation. Its silence in the face of these attacks is unacceptable,” the statement said.
The movement further accused unnamed individuals of using organised groups to target opposition leaders and their supporters, calling for an end to political violence.
“The continued use of sponsored goons to attack and intimidate opposition leaders and their supporters must stop,” the statement said.
It called for prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into the Githongo incident and the earlier reported confrontations involving Mwangaza, urging authorities to ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.
