Nairobi — The National Police Service has denied claims by Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza that she was arrested, despite his officers apologizing to her for the "misunderstanding".
Claims of her arrest had circulated following an incident at Imenti's Ruiga Village, where she was involved in her 'Okolea' outreach program, donating a cow at a local homestead.
"The Governor of Meru on her own volition, boarded a Police Vehicle and thereafter voluntarily disembarked from the same vehicle," the IG Japhet Koome said in a statement.
Koome pointed out that Governor Mwangaza's own press release, dated October 18, 2023, did not mention her arrest by the police. Instead, it highlighted the "heavy police presence in her meeting."
In a video that went viral on social media, Mwangaza is seen in an altercation with police officers before the Meru Commander pleaded with her to calm down followed by a public apology from the local OCS.
To emphasize the National Police Service's commitment to impartiality and political neutrality, Koome referenced Article 239 (3) of the Constitution. This article mandates that the police, as one of the national security organs, "shall not act in a partisan manner, further any interest of a political party or cause; or prejudice a political interest or political cause that is legitimate under the Constitution."
Koome assured that the security apparatus in the country will continue to fulfill its responsibilities in accordance with the constitution. The National Police Service's mandate remains to serve all Kenyans equally and fairly.
"The National Police Service, therefore, reaffirms its commitment to upholding high fidelity to the Constitution, operational independence, impartiality, and political neutrality in its role of maintaining law and order," he stated.
On September 22, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki had prohibited Governor Mwangaza from conducting meetings under the 'Okolea' outreach program, which he characterized as inciteful.
This directive came after an episode of chaos during one of Mwangaza's 'Okolea Program' events in Makiri, Igembe South Constituency.
During the incident, some residents expressed their discontent by slaughtering a cow and setting fire to mattresses that Mwangaza had intended to donate.
