Governor Mwangaza voluntarily hopped into the police car, Japheth Koome says
The National Police Service Inspector General Japheth Koome has refuted claims surrounding the arrest of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza on Wednesday October 18, 2023.
In their official statement, the NPS clarified to the public that Governor Mwangaza willingly entered the police vehicle and subsequently chose to exit it voluntarily.
“In fact, the Governor in her own press release does not mention that police arrested her, other than that there was ‘heavy police’ presence in her meeting,” it said.
Then added, “Article 239 (3) of the Constitution provides that in performing its functions and exercising its powers as one of the national security organs, the National Police Service ‘shall not act in a partisan manner, further any interest of a political party or cause; or prejudice a political interest or political cause that is legitimate under the Constitution.”
On Friday, a dramatic incident unfolded as Ms Mwangaza found herself ‘detained’ inside a police vehicle while in the midst of distributing dairy cows at Ruiga in Imenti Central.
The governor’s apprehension reportedly stemmed from her attendance at ‘Okolea’ meetings, which Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki had prohibited.
Prof Kindiki’s directive followed a previous episode of chaos during one of Mwangaza’s ‘Okolea Program’ events in Makiri, Igembe South Constituency.
During the turmoil, enraged residents slaughtered a cow and set fire to mattresses that Mwangaza had intended to donate to the public.
Prof Kindiki remarked, “Reports that have reached me is that the Governor’s (Mwangaza) allies were inciteful, disrupted peace and assaulted journalists….thinking they are defending the Meru governor. The targeted people also broke the law.”
He further emphasized, “We have banned meetings that incite people. This is final. We are not going to allow it. If you think it is a joke, try it. Don’t try me.”
This development occurred just hours after a second attempt to remove her from office, initiated by Majority Leader Evans Kaaria, who tabled the initial notice.
The assembly, consisting of 69 MCAs in total, will deliberate on a comprehensive 25-page document outlining the grounds for the governor’s impeachment and the supporting evidence.
These allegations encompass misappropriation and misuse of county resources, nepotism, bullying, the disparagement of other leaders, unauthorized appointments and overstepping statutory powers, contempt of both court and assembly and the unlawful dedication of a public road in her husband’s name, among others.