Meru MCAs have defended Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia following clashes between his supporters and those of former governor Kawira Mwangaza that disrupted Mashujaa Day celebrations at Githongo in Central Imenti.
The ward representatives accused Mwangaza of disrupting the national celebrations by attempting to access the venue of the event despite the likelihood of a confrontation between rival supporters.
Abogeta West MCA DMK Kiogora questioned why the former governor was storming a government function, arguing that political differences should not be allowed to interfere with State events.
“She is looking for sympathy. Why attend a government function when you are in Wantam? We all in Wantam avoid government events to avert chaos. Perhaps she thrives in the chaos,” Kiogora said.
Arthwana Ward MCA Jim Muchui also criticised Mwangaza, accusing her of contributing to political instability in the county.
In a Facebook post, Muchui questioned why she had insisted on attending the celebrations despite the risk of clashes between her supporters and those of the sitting governor.
He further accused the former governor of moving around the county with supporters armed with wooden implements, allegations that had not been independently verified.
The MCAs’ remarks followed confrontations that erupted when Mwangaza arrived at Githongo Market, escorted by boda boda riders and supporters.
The arrival triggered a standoff with Mutuma’s supporters, who blocked the road leading to Githongo Stadium, where the national celebrations were taking place.
Police officers were forced to fire shots into the air and lob teargas canisters to disperse the rival groups and restore order as Meru County Commissioner George Omolo addressed residents at the stadium.
Tension escalated again when Mutuma took to the podium, with teargas briefly disrupting his speech.
The governor strongly criticised Mwangaza, describing her actions as “devilish”.
Addressing politicians and aspirants, Omolo urged them to respect the law and desist from actions that could trigger chaos and violence.
“All politicians must conduct peaceful campaigns or else the law will catch up with them,” Omolo said.
He called on both sitting leaders and those seeking elective positions to exercise restraint and ensure their political activities did not threaten public safety.
Mwangaza, however, accused individuals she described as government-sponsored goons of attacking her entourage and damaging her vehicles in what she alleged was an attempt to kill her.
In a statement posted on social media, she claimed the incident occurred in the presence of police officers.
“Government-sponsored goons on a mission to kill Kawira Mwangaza in the presence of police. Happening at Githongo Mashujaa Day,” she wrote.
She also directed criticism at Mutuma, saying: “Wewe Mutuma kama wewe ni mwanaume tafuta kivyako, nilikubeba kwa mgongo kama mama, na sasa unaringa wewe ni Gavana. Hutaleta vita kwa hii Meru.” Translated, she told Mutuma to seek his own political support, accusing him of arrogance after becoming governor and warning him against bringing violence to Meru.
Mwangaza’s claims that the attackers were government-sponsored and intended to kill her had not been independently verified by the time of publication.
