Meru County experienced a wave of turmoil on Sunday during an event for Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s ‘Okolea Program’ in Makiri, Igembe South Constituency.
Furious residents took to the streets to express their discontent by slaughtering a cow and burning the mattresses that Mwagaza had intended to distribute to the public.
These protests are the latest manifestation of growing tensions and divisions between the Governor and her Deputy, Isaac Mutuma.
Makiri holds significance as the hometown of Deputy Governor Mutuma, and the local community viewed the Governor’s actions as a display of disrespect and arrogance towards their community.
To quell the protests, the police had to resort to using tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
In a Facebook post, Governor Mwangaza directed blame at Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi for the unfortunate turn of events at her event.
“Proverbs 13: Evil will never leave the house of one who pays back evil for good. You have killed your own Leadership. I declare and decree in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen,” Mwangaza wrote.
She went on to say, “May the blood of the innocent cry before God; you will receive it back 7 times in Jesus Mighty Name. Meanwhile, ni Kumi bila brakes. Linturi and associates, you will never occupy my position; you have lost it all.”
The Deputy Governor has reportedly faced a difficult period both within and outside the office since April when he fell out of favor with the County Governor. Some of his office staff were reassigned, and budget allocations for vehicles and travel allowances were reduced.
Moreover, the Deputy Governor has been dealing with frequent power cuts at his official residence, which is seen by many as political pressure to force him into resignation.
During a recent visit by President Ruto to the Igembe region, Governor Kawira Mwangaza accused certain Meru leaders, including Kiraitu Murungi and Mithika Linturi, of being part of a cartel trying to gain control over Meru County.
