There was drama in Meru County on Sunday, May 11, as former Governor Kawira Mwangaza was embroiled in a heated confrontation with police officers.
Mwangaza was left thoroughly frustrated after authorities attempted to block her and her supporters from conducting a church meeting, leading to an intense standoff.
Engagements between Mwangaza and authorities started on a calm note, with the former governor seen talking with one of the officers, asking why one of her entourage's cars was being blocked.
Mwangaza was adamant that she was a bishop and was simply holding a church meeting on a Sunday, but police were having none of it as they insisted no public gathering would take place without adequate security.
“What mistake have we made? We are here for a church meeting. You've taken my seat; now you want to stop me from holding meetings? It is not right,” Mwangaza is heard saying to one of the officers.
According to the former governor, authorities had been made aware of the public gathering earlier in the week, as required by law in the Public Order Act Cap 56.
With both parties maintaining their stance, tensions escalated quickly as Mwangaza's supporters became agitated by the police's refusal to have the function take place.
A scuffle soon ensued after one officer reached for a teargas canister to attempt to disperse the increasingly irate crowd.
Interestingly, amid chants of "mama, mama" from Mwangaza's supporters, the former governor attempted to intercept one officer from hurling a canister as she questioned why force was being applied to a seemingly peaceful crowd.
It remains unclear why the former governor's function was being blocked, although it could have something to do with her recent plans to table delegations of leaders ahead of the launch of her political party.
On Monday, May 5, the ex-governor revealed that groundwork for her new political party was underway, and an official launch would happen soon.
Mwangaza does not plan to field a presidential candidate, although she revealed the party, which will have its roots in Meru, would be developed in collaboration with leaders from other regions.
