Police lobbed teargas and fired shots into the air to disperse rival supporters of Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia and his predecessor Kawira Mwangaza after violence disrupted Mashujaa Day celebrations at Githongo in Central Imenti on Tuesday.
The clashes erupted when Mwangaza arrived at Githongo Market, escorted by boda boda riders and supporters, as the county marked the national holiday.
Her arrival triggered a confrontation with supporters of Mutuma, some of whom blocked the road leading to Githongo Stadium where the celebrations were being held.
Police officers intervened, firing into the air and lobbing teargas canisters in an attempt to contain the violence as Meru County Commissioner George Omollo addressed residents at the stadium.
Addressing politicians and aspirants, Omolo urged them to respect the law and desist from actions that could trigger chaos and violence.
“Everyone has a right to vie but 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.
Tension escalated again when Mutuma took to the podium, with teargas briefly disrupting his address.
The governor strongly criticised Mwangaza, describing her actions as “devilish” amid the political confrontation.
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 said the attack 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 acting arrogantly after becoming governor and warning him against bringing violence to Meru.
Mwangaza's allegations of a plot to kill her and claims that the attackers were government-sponsored had not been independently verified.
The confrontation drew criticism from several ward representatives, who defended Mutuma and argued that the national celebrations should not have been turned into a political battleground.
Abogeta West MCA DMK Kiogora said Mwangaza should have avoided attending the government function, arguing that her presence risked provoking clashes between rival political groups.
“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 the former governor, accusing her of contributing to political instability in the county.
In a Facebook post, Muchui questioned why Mwangaza had insisted on attending the event despite the possibility of confrontation between her supporters and those of the sitting governor.
He further accused her of moving around the county with supporters armed with wooden implements, allegations that were not independently verified.
The clashes overshadowed the national celebrations in Meru, raising fresh concerns about political intolerance and security at public gatherings as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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