Leaders have condemned the excessive force used against former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza during her Okolea charity program at Kiguchwa in Tigania East.
Police lobbed teargas canisters that hit Mwangaza in her vehicle and injured Mwangaza’s driver.
Political activist and the persons living with disability (PWDs) chairman Mike Makarina said despite Mwangaza having a permit to conduct the Okolea program, they are now harassing her.
Mike Makarina speaking in an event
“Deputy President Kithure Kindiki should order police officers to stop threatening and intimidating innocent people. I condemn the national government for using excessive force,” he said.
Makarina said Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi was behind the disruption of Okolea charity program on Sunday at Kiguchwa.
Makarina claimed that they had information that Mpuru had sought intervention from deputy President Kindiki to ensure their meeting will not proceed.
Makarina, who is a staunch supporter of Mwangaza pleaded with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to take stern action against any perpetrators who mishandled Mwangaza.
Last Sunday but one, Mwangaza was blocked by police officers from conducting Okolea charity program in Igoji, Imenti South constituency.
“We will never relent on the fight to reclaim Mwangaza’s 2022 snatched victory by power angry leaders. Why is she being fought for no apparent reason,” Makarina said.
He then said they are planning to start countywide protests from next Monday to castigate the incompetence of President William Ruto’s led administration.
Makarina wondered why other leaders are given paramount security but Mwangaza is beaten with an aim to get rid of her Okolea program that has saved several vulnerable Meru people.
“They better arrest me. We demand respect for Meru women. The Okolea program will still continue. Let them import more teargas because Okolea must continue. Instead of protecting the Northern Grazing Zones where bandits are killing innocent people, police are misused to cause mayhem to innocent people,” he said.
Senate aspirant Mugambi Imanyara and former chief of staff Nchamba Mbithi the Okolea charity program is only meant to help the vulnerable in society.
Imanyara said he will move to court to seek interpretation of law if disruption persists.
He condemned the excessive force used against Mwangaza and those who had attended the event.
Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris condemned the incident calling upon police for restraint.
“I strongly condemn the unprovoked and excessive use of force by the police against Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza. Teargas canister was hurled into her car on Mother’s Day and again yesterday is a shocking display of state sanctioned brutality. Kawira is now hospitalized. Her driver was injured,” she wrote on her Facebook page.
She demanded justice for the former governor.
“Who are the police acting for?
When the protectors become the perpetrators, our democracy stands in peril. Freedom of assembly and worship are constitutional rights not privileges granted by political Favour. We demand accountability. We demand justice. We demand answers,” Passaris said.
