Leaders call for a ban on Mwangaza charity events

Meru woman rep Kawira Mwangaza, in one of the Okolea interventions. In Okolea, the woman rep mobilises residents to help orphans, widows, disabled and other vulnerable groups. [Phares Mutembei/Standard]

A section of Meru leaders has challenged the national government to ban the 'Okolea kana KA Miiru' charity events associated with former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.

The leaders appealed after three youths were allegedly attacked during last Sunday's charity event at Kaguma in Central Imenti. The incident left one of the victims, identified as Rooney Kimathi, admitted to the Meru Level 5 Hospital's Intensive Care Unit.

Women and youth leaders, including former MCA Irene Mukuba and Eric Mutwiri, claimed Mwangaza's charity events, which are usually staged on Sunday afternoons at selected venues across the county, are divisive and inciteful.

They challenged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to investigate and impose a total ban on the events.

Ms Mukuba and Mr Mutwiri, who was flanked by other leaders who spoke at Makutano in North Imenti Sub County in claims denied by Mwangaza, said Kimathi and others were assaulted by an armed group that accompanied the former county chief at Kaguma.

Through a letter to the County DCIO and County Commissioner, they asked CS Murkomen to initiate investigations and enforce a ban on Mwangaza's events.

Mukuba said Kimathi is fighting for his life at Meru Level 5 Hospital after he was allegedly attacked by goons who had accompanied Mwangaza.

The leaders recalled that in 2003, at the height of Mwangaza's fights with her then-deputy and now Governor Isaac Mutuma and other elected leaders, then Interior CS and now Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had declared a ban on Okolea events.

"Shockingly, she goes ahead with the banned activities while the ban has never been lifted," Mukuba said.

In her response, Ms Mwangaza denied the accusations levelled against her and maintained her rallies were peaceful.

"No one was injured in our meeting. It was very peaceful and had a heavy police presence. And if so, why did the police not arrest the youths?" she posed.

Mwangaza maintained her political foes were afraid of the popularity she commands at the grassroots, proven by the big crowds the Okolea events attract.

"They are afraid of my meetings," she stated.

After preaching at her ministry's Baite Family Fellowship (BFF) on Sunday mornings, Bishop Mwangaza holds charity events in the afternoon at selected venues, accompanied by well-wishers, partners, and political allies.

The charity events are attended by huge crowds, and it is the strategy that catapulted her into politics.