- Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga has, on several occasions, found himself on the wrong side of the law
- Even though the state crushed the ethnic organisation, Njenga still wields influence and has close links to top politicians in the country
- Njenga has amassed wealth with an estimated value of KSh 2 billion, including luxurious houses and large tracts of land
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Maina Njenga is one of the most controversial figures in Kenya, having the head of the dreaded Mungiki sect declared illegal by the government.
Even though the state crushed the ethnic organisation, its former leader still wields influence and has close links to top politicians in the country.
Maina Njenga's early life
Njenga was born on January 2, 1969, as the fourth born in a family of eight. He is the child of Stephen Kamunya Njoroge and Margaret Wangui Kamunyo.
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According to Pulse Live Kenya, he was bred in Karandi, Laikipia West.
Njenga studied at Ol Ng'arua Primary School before proceeding to Ortum Secondary School for his high school education.
Mungiki influence
The 54-year-old reportedly started influencing the youth in the 1990s during the KANU regime led by the late retired president Daniel Moi.
He asked young men and women to worship facing Mt Kenya and gained a massive following as the group rebelled.
He fell out with Moi when the sect's members began committing criminal acts.
Njenga's imprisonment
The politician was imprisoned in 2007 after he was found guilty of illegal firearms possession.
He was sentenced to eight years in prison; three for illegal firearms ownership and five for murder and other charges.
However, he did not serve the full term as he was released by the High Court in 2009 after he threatened to expose government officials implicated in several scandals.
After his release, he visited Jesus is Alive Ministries church, led by Bishop Margaret Wanjiru and announced he was saved.
He then joined politics and is associated with the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party under former prime minister Raila Odinga's leadership.
Maina Njenga's net worth and properties
The former Mungiki leader has amassed wealth with an estimated value of KSh 2 billion, according to Who Owns Kenya.
His wealth includes luxurious homes, a fleet of vehicles and more than 3,000 acres of land.
Karen mansion
Njenga lives a flashy life. He owns a five-bedroom mansion in the Karen leafy suburbs of Nairobi, an affluent neighbourhood.
The house with a sauna and jacuzzi is valued at KSh 100 million.
At the estate, he is a close neighbour of Raila and former attorney general Amos Wako.
Ongata Rongai bungalow
His bungalow in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado county, sits on a 10-acre piece of land.
In the area, he lives close to the former head of public service Francis Muthaura.
He also owns another house in Ongata Rongai sitting on 50 acres.
Other properties
The politician keeps livestock and grows crops on 1900 acres of land in Laikipia and Nyandarua counties.
In Isinya, he acquired five acres of land, while in Nakuru, he owns two undeveloped plots.
In the capital Nairobi, he owns a plot on Kirinyaga Road and another on Mombasa Road near Daystar University.
His fleet of luxurious cars includes a Hummer and Land Rover Discovery.
Maina Njenga charged with intent to commit felony
On Monday, July 24, TUKO.co.ke reported Njenga was charged with three counts, among them organising illegal demonstrations.
Njenga was also accused of planning to commit a felony after he was allegedly found in possession of offensive weapons.
The former Mungiki leader was charged alongside his brother Peter Njoroge Kamunya and his aide Felix Lakishe.
Mulleys Supermarket founder
In other news, Peter Ngumbi Mulei founded Mulleys Supermarket in the 1960s despite his lack of formal education.
Mulleys Supermarket started as Peter Mulei & Sons Ltd and had over 10 branches at its peak before facing financial woes.
The retail chain had grown to expand its tendons to four counties but could not stay afloat due to debt.
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