Kenya is not a Banana Republic – Stop the Violence Against Women Leaders
UMPIt is deeply disturbing that the Kenya Kwanza regime has made a pattern of using police force to disrupt peaceful rallies addressed by H.E. Kawira Mwangaza.
On 11th May 2025, armed police, acting under strict instructions, teargassed unarmed civilians attending a peaceful rally organized by Mwangaza in Igoji, South Imenti. On Sunday, 18th May 2025, another peaceful rally at Kiguchwa was violently disrupted when armed officers hurled teargas and fired live bullets at her vehicle, forcing wananchi to rescue her. Yesterday, Sunday 24th May 2026, police again lobbed teargas at a peaceful gathering in North Imenti.
This repeated use of force raises serious questions. Male leaders continue to hold meetings across Meru without such disruption. Why, then, is a woman leader holding peaceful meetings being singled out for teargas and violence? Is this the respect and support for women that the Kenya Kwanza regime claims to uphold?
It is for this reason that today, UMP aspirants, under the leadership of the Secretary General, marched to the office of the OCS at Meru Police Station in Imenti North to demand accountability for the continued violent disruption of peaceful political activities.
The use of teargas against peaceful and unarmed wananchi is a direct attack on democratic freedoms, political tolerance, and the constitutional rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association. Kenya is a constitutional democracy, not a banana republic where citizens are punished for gathering peacefully and expressing their views.
Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP) therefore calls upon the government led by President Dr. William Samoei Ruto to uphold democratic principles, respect divergent political opinions, and immediately stop political violence and intimidation against those opposed to the regime. We also call upon the leadership of the National Police Service to launch immediate investigations into the officers involved and publicly explain the circumstances that led to the unnecessary and excessive use of force against peaceful citizens.
The Party Leader, UMP aspirants, and the people of Meru remain resolute and unbowed. No amount of intimidation, harassment, or force will silence the people’s voice or stop the growing demand for accountable, people-centered leadership.
Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP)
Utajiri kwa Wote