62 suspects arrested over Mungiki killings

Sixty two people have been arrested in connection with Tuesday’s murder of 28 villagers in Mathira division in Nyeri district, Kenya.

And the government dispatched security agents to the area and vowed to take all necessary action against the killers.

According to the Provincial Administration and Internal Security minister, Prof George Saitoti, the 28 people were hacked to death by members of the outlawed Mungiki sect who raided Mathira Division’s Shehe sub-location around 2am.

“ Yesterday (Tuesday) at 2am, 28 people were killed in Shehe sub-location of Mathira District. Information received in this office indicates that these innocent people were killed by the outlawed Mungiki sect members. The government wishes to reassure the citizens that it will protect them and their properties at all times. The government will take the necessary action without fear or favour,” Prof Saitoti said.

Police headquarters said initial investigations indicate the violence was caused when the public ganged up to resist Mungiki moves to expel all residents of Kirinyaga from Karatina.

A statement signed by police spokesman Eric Kiraithe said in recent weeks, wananchi in Kirinyaga District have been subjecting members of the outlawed sect to mob punishment. Police said they received information about a violent clash between the public and Mungiki sect members.

“Police moved to the scene immediately and commenced investigations. So far investigators have confirmed that 24 people have been killed and three have been seriously injured,” Mr Kiraithe said.

Police appealed to the public to report members of the sect committing crimes to police stations instead of using criminal violence against them. A team from the Internal Security ministry will tour the district on Wednesday.