Passaris condemns attack on Mwangaza, claims it was state-sponsored
Witnesses said one tear gas canister was thrown into the former governor’s vehicle while she and her husband were inside
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has condemned the teargassing of former Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza, which happened over the past weekend during an interdenominational prayer meeting in Tigania East.
In a statement, Passaris condemned the conduct of the police as she questioned the repeated attacks targeting her.
“I condemn the unprovoked and excessive use of force by the police on Mwangaza. She was having a peaceful interdenominational prayer meeting,” she stated.
She blamed the attack on being sponsored by the State.
“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,” she claimed.
The woman rep demanded justice for Mwangaza and her driver, who are currently hospitalised following the incident.
According to Passaris, the Constitution allows people to assemble and worship; hence, the former county leader did nOt have to be teargassed.
“Kawira is now hospitalised. Her driver was injured. What began as a moment of worship and unity ended in chaos and pain. 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 stated.
Mwangaza was yesterday hospitalised together with her driver after the police lobbed teargas canisters at a charity event and Interdenominational prayer meeting she was presiding over.
Witnesses said one canister was thrown into the former governor’s vehicle while she and her husband were inside.
A viral video on social media showed Mwangaza in tears and choking on tear gas before she and her driver were rushed to the hospital for medical attention. She was affected by the tear gas fumes while her driver sustained a head injury during the melee.
Meru political activist Mike Makarina called out the government to stop harassing Mwangaza.
“Gachagua is holding meetings, Matiang’i is holding meetings, everyone is holding meetings, are women not people? Are people living with disabilities not people? I want to tell this government of William Ruto, you have intelligence, you have people who tell you the truth, investigate,” he said.
