Police probe political violence at Meru Mashujaa fete
A vehicle that was vandalised at Githongo Market as supporters of former governor Kawira Mwangaza clashed with those of Governor Isaac Mutuma during Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Police in Meru are now pursuing the owners of 10 motorbikes allegedly used to ferry goons who disrupted Mashujaa Day celebrations at Githongo Stadium, Imenti Central, on Tuesday.
This is even as it emerged that former governor Kawira Mwangaza had notified Meru County commissioner George Omollo of her intention to join the celebrations led by her successor Isaac Mutuma.
As a result, the Mashujaa Day celebrations turned into a political showdown, with gubernatorial aspirants flexing their muscle as the August 10, 2027 election draws near.
The attempt by Ms Mwangaza to share a podium with Mr Mutuma turned chaotic as supporters clashed, disrupting the celebrations.
The governor was forced to cut short his speech as tear gas filled the air and the audience scampered for safety.
The stadium gates were barricaded with police vehicles to prevent the battling groups from accessing the venue.
In the ensuing melee, two police officers were injured, and several vehicles were damaged.
Police officers barricade Githongo Stadium gate as supporters of former Governor Kawira Mwangaza clash with Governor Isaac Mutuma's supporters during Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, 2026.
According to Meru County Criminal Investigations Officer Abednego Kavoo, investigators are pursuing suspects from across the political divide.
However, Mr Kavoo said the situation turned chaotic after Ms Mwangaza arrived for the celebrations late, accompanied by many supporters.
"When Mwangaza informed us that she would attend the celebrations, we advised her to come as a citizen. We reminded her that Mashujaa Day is a national event that has nothing to do with politics. However, she arrived long after the guests were seated accompanied by noisy riders. The police advised her to turn back to avoid disrupting the meeting," Mr Kavoo said.
He said police officers fired tear gas canisters to disperse youths who were chanting political slogans and threatening to break into the stadium.
According to Meru County Police Commander Moses Musyoka, anti-riot officers confronted goons armed with wooden batons.
"We are investigating the incident to ensure every suspect is brought to book," Mr Musyoka said.
But Ms Mwangaza accused her rivals of orchestrating the attack that left her vehicles damaged.
"I had spoken to the county Commissioner and informed him that I would be joining other Meru residents for Mashujaa Day celebrations. He was clear that I was welcome. Unfortunately, in the morning, we started witnessing goons being transported to Githongo," Ms Mwangaza said
Mr Murega Baicu, husband to former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
Mr Murega Baichu, Mwangaza’s spouse, blamed the attack on Igoji West MCA Mutembei Mbiuki.
However, speaking to Nation, Mr Mbiuki said he was blocked by Ms Mwangaza’s vehicle along Kithirune - Githongo road as he was heading to the Mashujaa Day celebrations.
"I managed to slip away and sped off towards Nkubu with Mwangaza’s vehicle in hot pursuit. Since I had not done anything and they kept following me, I drove into Nkubu police station for safety. I did not damage her vehicle. It is Mwangaza who wanted to attack me," Mr Mbiuki claimed.
Speaking during the celebrations, County Commissioner George Omollo warned that politicians who take part in or sponsor violence will not be spared by law enforcers.
"I urge politicians to hold their meetings within the law. Everyone must respect the law and anyone who goes against that will not be spared," Mr Omollo said.
In a statement, Ms Mwangaza called on the National Police Service "to conduct prompt, impartial, and thorough investigations into the attacks, identify those responsible, and ensure they are held accountable."
"I demand justice for everyone affected by the chaos and call upon all leaders to promote peaceful coexistence and respect for democratic freedoms. Violence has no place in our democracy, and neither my delegation nor the people of Githongo should be intimidated or silenced," she stated.
Governor Mutuma condemned the chaos witnessed on Mashujaa Day and accused Ms Mwangaza of sparking the violence.
"We came to celebrate heroes and heroines of Central Imenti for their role in independence and second liberation. But she came here with the intention of causing violence. She claims to be here to donate gumboots but she is disturbing the peace. She has no place in our politics," Governor Mutuma said.
He accused the opposition leaders of misleading residents on the performance of President William Ruto's administration in Meru.
"Meru has immensely benefited with multimillion shilling funding from the national government. The Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital is being upgraded to a level six facility, several markets are being built including the Sh1.2 billion Gakoromone market and 17 kilometres of Meru town roads are being built," Mr Mutuma said.
The governor highlighted progress in health care investment, saying his administration has funded expansion of level four facilities, acquiring imaging equipment and chemotherapy services.
"Plans are advanced for establishment of a Sh5 billion cancer care centre through a public private partnership programme. We have increased investments in all health facilities to increase access to quality care," Mr Mutuma said.
Besides investing in infrastructure, the governor said his administration has promoted more than 1,300 health workers to boost morale.
In agriculture, Governor Mutuma said his administration has provided seed and seedlings worth over Sh65 million to enhance production.
He said the county livestock vaccination programme targets reaching over 450,000 heads of cattle.
Meanwhile, former agriculture cabinet secretary chose a less confrontational approach, hosting a Mashujaa Day luncheon at his Amwamba residence, where he accused Governor Mutuma of running a failed administration.
He claimed Governor Mutuma has failed to unify the county and allowed goons and violence to thrive in Meru.
"The governor is a reverend but he has been accused of unleashing goons on other politicians. Kawira Mwangaza was attacked in Igembe Central on Sunday and again on Mashujaa day. I urge the youth not to be used in causing violence. The police must use their constitutional mandate to protect lives and property," Mr Linturi said.
Security agencies are now warning that political meetings are increasingly turning chaotic and urging residents to report all cases of violence for firm action.
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