Passaris Slams Govt For Allowing Chaos At Kawira Mwangaza's Event

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has spoken out against the Sunday, May 18 incident that left former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza hospitalized.

In a statement on Monday, May 19, Passaris blamed the police for using excessive force during Mwangaza’s Operation Okolea rally, saying officers threw teargas canisters at her team, injuring both Mwangaza and her driver.

She condemned the attack, calling it “state-sanctioned,” and pointed out that it wasn’t the first time—it happened just a week earlier on Mother’s Day too.

An event of former Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza, which was disrupted by police on Sunday, May 18, 2025. /KAWIRA MWANGAZA

"I strongly condemn the unprovoked and excessive use of force by the police against Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza during a peaceful interdenominational prayer gathering in Tigania East," she stated on X.

"That a tear gas canister was hurled into her car on Mother’s Day and again yesterday is a shocking display of state-sanctioned brutality."

"Who are the police acting for? When the protectors become the perpetrators, our democracy stands in peril. Freedom of assembly and worship are constitutional rights, not privileges granted by political favour. We demand accountability. We demand justice. We demand answers," she added.

After leading a church service in Kiguchwa, Meru County, Mwangaza proceeded with her usual aid rally—a program she had started well before becoming governor.

However, security officers, who appeared to be lying in wait, swiftly dispersed her team by firing tear gas, forcing the crowd to flee.

Video footage showed the driver with a bleeding facial injury after being struck by an unknown object. The former governor was also hurt and had to be hospitalised due to her injuries.

Expecting resistance, the former governor, who was removed from office earlier this year after prolonged impeachment efforts, had urged the churchgoers to remain steadfast in faith, regardless of how they’d be received once they left the service.

“Can you imagine your bishop being sent over 2,000 officers in the field?” she posed to the congregation, referring to the previous week's events.

“Those who will be left inside the church should be left praying, while those who will be able to attend, even if we get barred, will come back and thank God.”