The ongoing Senate trial of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza was abruptly interrupted on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, when Anne Kanjeru, the grieving mother of the slain Meru political activist and blogger Daniel Muthiani, was forcibly removed from the Senate chambers.
The emotionally charged incident occurred on the second day of Governor Mwangaza’s impeachment hearing, drawing attention to the deep scars left by Muthiani’s tragic death.
Kanjeru, still visibly mourning the loss of her son, made her presence known by screaming during the proceedings. The disruption happened just as Dickson Munene, the Meru County Government’s CECM for Legal Affairs, was taking the stand to testify.
Munene’s testimony was seen as a pivotal moment in the trial, given the sensitive nature of the allegations surrounding Governor Mwangaza and her administration.
Slain Meru Blogger Daniel Muthiani speaking to the media. Photo: Weru TV (X)
The sudden outburst by Kanjeru quickly captured the attention of Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, who initially attempted to continue the proceedings despite the disturbance.
However, the intensity of Kanjeru’s cries made it impossible to ignore, prompting Speaker Kingi to intervene. He ordered the Senate’s Sergeant-at-Arms to restore order and remove the woman from the chamber.
Despite her strong objections and resistance, the Senate security team managed to carry out the speaker’s orders, escorting Kanjeru from the building. The scene was tense, as Kanjeru’s grief was palpable, and her unwillingness to leave reflected the depth of her pain and frustration over the unresolved murder of her son.
Embattled Meru Governor Bishop Kawira Mwangaza during a Senate hearing. Photo: Nation Africa via Facebook
Daniel Muthiani, who was widely known by his online alias ‘Sniper,’ was a prominent political blogger and activist in Meru County. His brutal murder shocked the community, and his family’s quest for justice has been ongoing. Mwangaza’s aides were previously arrested in connection with the killing, adding a layer of complexity and emotion to the impeachment proceedings against her.
The trial of Governor Mwangaza, who is facing impeachment over various allegations of misconduct, has been closely watched by both her supporters and detractors.
The incident involving Kanjeru underscores the high stakes and emotional toll of the trial, as it has become more than just a legal battle—it is a fight for justice in the eyes of those who have suffered personal loss.
