Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza suffered a setback for the second week in a row as her planned charity event was quelled by police officers.
Mwangaza, who planned to hold an event dubbed Operation Okolea, was forced to flee as police resorted to teargas to disperse her supporters in Kiguchwa, Meru County.
Authorities, who were seemingly anticipating the event, were on the ground to disperse the crowd before it became too large, with sounds of firearms being discharged and exploding teargas canisters intensifying panic among attendees.
Speaking earlier during a church service ahead of the function, the outspoken former governor appeared to anticipate trouble.
“Can you imagine your bishop being sent over 2,000 officers in the field?” she posed to the congregation.
“Those who will be left inside the church should be left praying, while those who will be able to attend, even if we get barred, will come back and thank God.”
While there were no loss of life from the chaos, one person believed to be a driver of Mwangaza's entourage sustained serious head injuries from the fracas.
Mwangaza, who has previously faced resistance from authorities for her planned events, once again accused the police of allowing themselves to be misused by the state.
During her church address, the former governor, who lost her seat through impeachment, suggested that more than 2000 officers had been deployed in what she believes is a concerted effort to derail her outreach programs.
The incident mirrored another one on May 11, when the former governor attempted to confront oficers on why they were intent on stopping her event from taking place.
At the time, Mwangaza enjoyed support from a fairly large crowd, who also faulted police officers before the confrontation turned chaotic.
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.
Since her impeachment from office, the ex-governor has embarked on groundwork for her new political party and an official launch is set to 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.
