Kirinyaga governor sounds warning on return of dreaded Mungiki sect

Kirinyaga Governor Joseph Ndathi has warned over the re-emergence of Mungiki in parts of central Kenya, including his county.

The governor has urged the government to use its machinery to crash the gang, warning that things could get out of hand if his advice is ignored.

Speaking to the Nation in Nairobi, Mr Ndathi called for serious action to be taken against the gang, warning that it could bring down the growing economy of the agriculturally endowed county.

“We are once again faced with the threat of having to deal with the Mungiki gang.

“They have re-emerged through saccos and boda boda networks and they are supported by well-known people, including businessmen operating in Nairobi,” Governor Ndathi said.

He appealed to the Ministry of Interior to take the matter seriously before it mutates into a crisis as the country heads to the polls.

Governor Ndathi revealed that some of the gang members operating in Kirinyaga County have been recruited from Thika and Ruiru towns in Kiambu County.

“Some of them are unfortunately being used to violently break up opponents’ political meetings. This thing must be dealt with now or we suffer later as a people and as a country, “Mr Ndathi said.

WAIGURU CONCERNED

Separately, former Devolution minister Anne Waiguru, who is vying for Kirinyaga governorship, has also raised the alarm over the matter.

“We are very, very concerned about the Mungiki stories. As a woman candidate this is something we want to urge the government to deal with. We want peaceful elections,” Ms Waiguru said.

She said locals are concerned that evil people may use the group to suppress their opponents and politically intimidate them during the coming elections.

The two leaders separately expressed fears the gangs’ activities could convolute the political atmosphere in the area and scare away many residents.

Kirinyaga County has in the past been affected by the Mungiki menace, with many people being killed by members of the dreaded sect.

Several young people in the region also disappeared as the government employed hard tackle on the gang, whose members and associates were executed.

The gang has begun to take control of businesses in the area to generate income that would be used to sustain its networks in central Kenya, the Rift Valley and Nairobi.

Already, Interior PS Karanja Kibicho has also raised concerns about the growing incidents of insecurity in Kirinyaga County.