Maina Njenga's Nyeri Rally Fails To Take Off As Police Arrest Over 250 Suspected Mungiki Members

• The police launched a major crackdown against former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga in Nyeri, arresting at least 250 suspected members
• Police said the suspects, who were drawn from various counties, were found with paraphernalia associated with the outlawed group
• At Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga in Murang’a county, 23 people were found with knives and strange paraphernalia believed to be used for administering illegal oaths

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nyeri- The police have mounted a major crackdown against the former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga in Nyeri and its environs.

At least 250 suspected Mungiki members were arrested, and 16 vehicles were impounded as the police thwarted a planned event at the Kabiruini showground in Nyeri town.

Nyeri Central Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Mwangi confirmed the arrest, revealing that the suspects were drawn from Nyeri, Murang'a, Kiambu, Baringo, Kirinyaga and Laikipia counties.

The government banned the meeting, terming it unlawful, but those who intended to attend felt aggrieved by the decision.

"We, as young people, had come to pray because, you know, it's the end of the year. So, we had come to pray here that the Almighty God helps us; that this year, which is ending, has been good, and as we enter the new year, may it be even better," lamented one of the youths barred from the venue.

The suspects were arrested after reportedly being found with paraphernalia identifiable with activities of the outlawed group, which included tobacco and Mungiki flags.

Police thwart suspected oathing ceremony

At Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga in Murang'a county, 23 people were found with knives and strange paraphernalia that police believe were being used for administering illegal oaths.

The shrine is sacred to the Agikuyu as it is believed to be the home of Gikuyu and Mumbi, the father and mother of the community.

The county police commander, Mathiu Kainga, said they were tipped off by members of the public who termed the activities suspicious.

"We were able to recover a number of paraphernalia which include horns, muratina, tobacco, flu whisk and a he-goat that they had already killed," he said.

Those arrested maintained that they were not affiliated with any sect but were there to learn their culture and refurbish the shrine.

Njenga unapologetic for the ills committed by Mungiki

Earlier, Njenga denied allegations that the outlawed sect orchestrated attacks and violence around the country.

Njenga said he had no apologies for the few mistakes that the once-feared sect might have committed.

According to Njenga, there is no room for apologies during times of war as people concentrate on defending themselves.