Governors demand apology over Mwangaza's 'arrest'

By Peter Ochieng

The Council of Governors (CoG) is demanding for an apology over the arrest of Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza's 'arrest.'

The Meru governor was reportedly arrested on Wednesday in Imenti Central while handing over a cow to a family under the 'One Dairy Cow, One Needy Family Program.'

"This initiative, funded by the County Government of Meru and approved by the County Assembly of Meru, aims to uplift the lives of the less fortunate. Unfortunately, law enforcement personnel were dispatched to interfere with the implementation of this program."

"It is disheartening to witness needless curtailment of development efforts meant to benefit the vulnerable in our community. Such intimidation tactics should not be allowed to obstruct progress in the Meru community. Meru must be happy," said the governor.

But the National Police Service (NPS) in a statement denied reports of the governor's arrest.

"Contrary to the false allegations circulating on the social media, the National Police Service wishes to clarify, that Police have not arrested Meru Governor, Hon. Kawira Mwangaza," NPS noted.

However, the CoG chaired by Kirinyaga governor Ann Waiguru is not buying into NPS's statement.

The governors want the Inspector General (IG) of police Japhet Koome to issue a public apology to Mwangaza over her purported arrest.

"CoG calls upon the IG to issue a public apology to H.E Mwangaza for the embarrassment, inconvenience, public humiliation and ridicule that she was subjected to by the police officers. Further, COG urges the IG to take disciplinary action against all officers involved in the arrest."

"CoG notes with concern that the Governor was undertaking her official duties when she was whisked away by officers from the National Police Service. All attempts to establish the reason for her arrest were futile," added the statement.

Governor Mwangaza was pictured in a police vehicle.

She claimed she had been arrested and 'detained' in the vehicle, before being set free.