Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has cited concerns for her safety as the reason behind her avoidance of the Igembe region. Speaking to a crowd that had gathered at her office demanding a visit to the area, Mwangaza recounted previous instances where she faced threats, particularly during President William Ruto’s visit to Meru on January 26.

Detailing the incidents, Mwangaza revealed that she had been attacked by individuals she described as goons while accompanying the President during a visit to Igembe. She recounted how her vehicle was ransacked, leaving her driver in fear throughout the President’s tour in the region. Due to these unsettling events, she expressed reluctance to visit Igembe, citing concerns for her safety.

Moreover, Mwangaza accused Igembe Central Member of Parliament (MP) Dan Kiili and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mithika Linturi of orchestrating the attacks against her. However, the MP has denied these allegations.

The Governor attributed her predicament to her stance against corruption, asserting that her battles stem from her commitment to safeguarding public resources from misuse. Since her election in 2022, Mwangaza has faced opposition from various Meru leaders and encountered two impeachment motions at the Senate.

Notably, during President William Ruto’s visit to Meru in January 2024, Mwangaza faced heckling from the public during a gathering in Kituine, Meru County. Additionally, chaos erupted at her ‘Okolea Program’ function in Igembe South constituency in September 2023, where angry residents protested by slaughtering a cow she had donated. These incidents highlight the ongoing tensions and divisions within Meru politics, including conflicts between Mwangaza and Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma.