On Saturday morning, worship turned to chaos in Meru when police officers stormed a church event, firing multiple tear‑gas canisters to disperse attendees. Among those caught in the crossfire was former Governor Kawira Mwangaza, who was inside her vehicle when one canister was lobbed through a window.
Mwangaza, still shaken, was treated for gas inhalation at Meru General Hospital. Her driver suffered a head injury and remains under observation. “I could taste the burning,” she later said from her hospital bed. “I never imagined something like this at a simple church service.”
Sudden Crackdown
Eyewitnesses described the scene as orderly until police arrived without warning. “People were praying,” recalled church elder Samuel Kirimi. “Then we heard bangs and saw smoke everywhere.” One canister landed by Mwangaza’s car before bouncing into the back seat.
Nchamba Mbithi, a close ally, accused officers of targeting the former governor. “They meant to intimidate her,” he told reporters. “They even fired gas into her car.”
Legal Challenge Looms
Human rights lawyer Mugambi Imanyara, present at the event, condemned the operation as unlawful. “We gave notice to the authorities,” he said. “There was no risk of violence. We will challenge this in court.”
Mwangaza’s team announced plans to file a formal complaint. In a statement, they charged that security forces had been “weaponised to silence political opponents.”
Police Justification and Rebuttal
Local officers defended their actions, citing intelligence warnings of possible clashes between rival groups. But organisers rejected this claim. “This was a church function, not a political rally,” insisted Mbithi. He added that he had seen no agitators or provocateurs among the congregants.
Deputy Police Commissioner Joseph Mwangi said inquiries were under way. “Our aim is to keep the peace,” he stated. “We will review the footage and reports before drawing conclusions.”
Wider Context
Mwangaza has faced similar disruptions since leaving office, her supporters say. Activist Michael Makarina accused senior officials of political persecution. “Deputy President, leave this woman alone!” he urged in a social media post.
As of Sunday morning, no formal police report had been released. But in Meru and beyond, the incident has sparked fresh debate over the use of force at public gatherings.
