Kawira Mwangaza urges voters to reject leaders accused of backing goons as chaos rock Linda Mwananchi rallies

Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza urged voters to reject leaders accused of supporting violent individuals as unrest gripped the Linda Mwananchi rallies. She also took aim at the alleged utilization of young people to disrupt political activities during the tour in Homa Bay County. Mwangaza made these statements at a rally organized by Linda Mwananchi in Nyandiwa on Sunday, August 16, 2026, where she accused unnamed leaders of orchestrating roadblockades and employing young individuals as pawns in political skirmishes.

"Mwangaza said, 'If you see a leader, man or woman, who is paving roads and using young girls as shields, that person is a coward. And they must go home after one term.' Her remarks seemed to be aimed at a leader she did not name, urging voters to cast their ballots accordingly. Mwangaza had traveled to over 20 counties prior to arriving in Suba and had been directed by Meru residents to convey a message."

Mwangaza has since linked her name to the Linda Mwananchi movement following her tenure as Meru Governor. This association has expanded the movement's reach into Mt Kenya East. Following Mwangaza, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also criticized the use of young individuals in political confrontations. "Ol Kalou was given guns, here they're giving rungs.

In Ol Kalou, they gave boats and there's no sea, here in Nyandiwa they give mud and prepare for death," he said. He also expressed concern over youth unemployment, arguing that young people should not be equipped with crude weapons for political confrontations. "This government has over 280 parastatals, and they give guns to young people and tell them to get ready to use them."

Neither Mwangaza nor Owino named a specific individual responsible for the alleged disruptions, making their remarks political accusations without independently establishing who organized or funded any incidents linked to the Linda Mwananchi tour.