The Linda Mwananchi movement has condemned an alleged attack on former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Meru County, calling for investigations into the incident.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the movement said Mwangaza's vehicles were destroyed, equipment stolen and several members of her staff injured during the incident at Githongo Market in Central Imenti on Tuesday.
“We strongly condemn the attack on former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza during yesterday’s Mashujaa Day celebrations at Githongo Market in Central Imenti, Meru County,” the statement read.
The movement said Mwangaza had been invited to the national celebrations by the County Commissioner and had a right to attend the public event without facing violence or intimidation.
It maintained that Mashujaa Day was a national occasion open to all Kenyans, irrespective of their political affiliations.
“Beyond that invitation, she had every right as a Kenyan to attend a public national celebration without being subjected to violence and intimidation,” the statement added.
The condemnation follows Mwangaza's account of an incident at Githongo Stadium, where she alleged that a group of individuals attacked her entourage as they attempted to access the venue.
Photos and videos shared on her social media pages showed visible damage to her vehicle.
A close associate of the former governor also claimed that the group blocked their entry to the venue, alleging that a politician led the confrontation. The claims have not been independently verified.
Before the Mashujaa Day incident, Mwangaza had raised concerns about an alleged plan to mobilise individuals, some reportedly armed with pangas, and transport them towards Meru town.
She claimed the mobilisation was intended to intimidate her. The allegations could not be independently verified.
Linda Mwananchi said the reported incident at Githongo was particularly concerning because Mwangaza had also recounted an earlier attack at Gituine Village in Igembe Central on Monday.
The movement also criticised the Council of Governors over what it described as silence in the face of threats and intimidation against Mwangaza and Governor George Natembeya.
It urged the council to speak out against what it termed political persecution and defend the safety and dignity of serving and former governors regardless of their political affiliations.
“The Council must speak out against political persecution and defend the safety and dignity of serving and former governors, regardless of their political affiliation,” the statement said.
The movement further called for an end to attacks against opposition leaders and their supporters, alleging that some incidents involved organised groups.
“The continued use of sponsored goons to attack and intimidate opposition leaders and their supporters must stop,” it said.
Linda Mwananchi demanded prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into the Mashujaa Day incident and the earlier incidents reported by Mwangaza.
“Those responsible must be brought to book,” the statement added.
Mwangaza served as Meru governor from 2022 until her removal from office in 2024, following impeachment proceedings upheld by the Senate. Her former deputy, Isaac Mutuma, succeeded her.
She has remained active in Meru politics since leaving office, aligning herself with the Linda Mwananchi faction as political activity builds ahead of the 2027 General Election.
