The Linda Mwananchi movement has broken its silence following a violent attack targeting former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and her team during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Meru County.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the movement condemned the Tuesday incident at Githongo Market in Central Imenti, where Mwangaza’s vehicles were damaged, equipment stolen and several members of her staff injured.
The statement, signed by Linda Mwananchi Head of Communication Pauline Njoroge, demanded immediate investigations into the violence and warned against political intimidation targeting opposition figures.
The movement maintained that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to attend national celebrations without facing violence, regardless of political affiliation.
Linda Mwananchi condemns attack
According to the movement, Mwangaza attended the Mashujaa Day celebrations following an invitation from the County Commissioner.
Linda Mwananchi questioned why the former governor and her team were subjected to violence despite attending a public national event.
“Hon. Mwangaza had been invited to the celebrations by the County Commissioner. Beyond that invitation, she had every right as a Kenyan to attend a public national celebration without being subjected to violence and intimidation,” the statement reads.
The movement insisted that national celebrations should unite Kenyans rather than become grounds for political confrontations.
“Mashujaa Day belongs to all Kenyans, regardless of their political affiliation,” Linda Mwananchi stated.
The movement further revealed that Mwangaza had described another attack at Gituine Village in Igembe Central on Monday, October 19, 2026.
The reported incidents have raised concerns within the movement over the safety of political leaders and their supporters.
Council of Governors challenged
Linda Mwananchi also directed its anger at the Council of Governors (CoG), accusing the institution of remaining silent as political leaders face intimidation.
The movement specifically mentioned Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and former Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
“We also call out the Council of Governors for its silence as Governor George Natembeya and former Governor Kawira Mwangaza, face threats and intimidation from the state,” the statement reads.
According to Linda Mwananchi, the council has a responsibility to defend both serving and former governors against political persecution.
The movement argued that political differences should not determine whether leaders receive institutional protection.
“The Council must speak out against political persecution and defend the safety and dignity of serving and former governors, regardless of their political affiliation,” it added.
Linda Mwananchi demands action
Linda Mwananchi has demanded swift, thorough and impartial investigations into both incidents involving Mwangaza and her team.
The movement accused unnamed individuals of sponsoring groups to intimidate opposition leaders and their supporters, although it did not identify those responsible or provide evidence establishing who organised the attacks.
“The continued use of sponsored goons to attack and intimidate opposition leaders and their supporters must stop,” the statement reads.
The confrontation at Githongo also drew public attention after images and videos showed damage to a vehicle associated with Mwangaza’s convoy.
The movement wants security agencies to establish who organised the violence, identify those involved and ensure accountability.
It maintained that political competition should not expose leaders, their staff or ordinary citizens to physical attacks.
The latest confrontation comes as political tensions intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Linda Mwananchi warning against the use of violence to silence political opponents.
At the time of the statement, no official response from the Council of Governors or national government addressing the movement’s accusations had been established.
