Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza on May 19 202 5/X
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has condemned the police for what she termed as excessive and unprovoked force against former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
In a statement on Monday, Passaris expressed outrage after tear gas was reportedly hurled into Mwangaza’s car during a peaceful prayer gathering in Tigania East.
"UNACCEPTABLE!" Passaris said, describing the incident as “a shocking display of state-sanctioned brutality.”
According to her, the attack happened twice—first on Mother’s Day (May 11) and on Sunday, May 19. She said Mwangaza is now hospitalised and her driver is injured.
"What began as a moment of worship and unity ended in chaos and pain," Passaris noted.
Passaris warned that such actions threaten the country’s democracy.
"When the protectors become the perpetrators, our democracy stands in peril," she said.
She called for urgent action, demanding answers and justice.
"Freedom of assembly and worship are constitutional rights, not privileges granted by political favour," she said.
"We demand accountability. We demand justice. We demand answers."
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.
On May 11, Mwangaza was tear-gassed and her Mother’s Day event was disrupted by police.
She insisted that she had notified the authorities in advance, but was met with armed officers who blocked the roads.
“Unanitupia teargas kwa nini? (Why are you teargassing me?),” she asked a police officer during the confrontation.
Mwangaza said she was there to preach the gospel.
“Sisi tumekuja kama kanisa. Tumetangaza mkutuno wetu wiki mzima kwa radio kwa TV zote…tumefika hapa tunakuta polisi wanatuzuia, wanasema ni orders from above,” she said while addressing her supporters.
(We came as church. We have been announcing our meeting the whole week on radio and all TV stations. WE got here and found police have blocked us, they are saying orders from above)
“Who is giving orders from above to prevent a governor from preaching? This is not a banana republic,” Mwangaza said.
“Everyone has rights and the gospel has a right to be preached.”
