Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga Arrested

In a surprising turn of events, former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga, along with his brother Njoroge Njenga and his personal assistant Ole Lekishe, was arrested by the police on Wednesday evening. The arrest took place at Njenga’s residence in Kiserian, and the three were immediately driven away to an undisclosed location.
Sources close to the family confirmed that police officers arrived at the house around 8:30 PM and forcefully apprehended the trio. Some officers remained behind to conduct a thorough search of the ex-Mungiki leader’s home. Njenga’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, also confirmed the arrest but expressed ignorance regarding the whereabouts of his client.
A tweet by Njiru read, “My client Maina Njenga was arrested and taken to an undisclosed location.” The lack of information about the arrest and the secretive nature of Njenga’s current situation has led to speculation and raised questions regarding the motives behind the police action.
The timing of Njenga’s arrest is particularly notable, as it coincides with the first day of planned anti-government protests organised by the opposition this week. It is unclear whether this is mere coincidence or if there is a connection between Njenga’s arrest and the planned protests.
This is not the first time Njenga has found himself on the wrong side of the law. Just two months ago, he was charged with engaging in criminal activities after being summoned to appear at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters in Nairobi. Njenga had previously recorded a statement at the DCI Nakuru, which eventually led to the charges against him.
The arrest of a prominent figure like Maina Njenga naturally attracts attention and raises concerns among the public. As a former leader of the Mungiki, a Kenyan criminal organisation known for its violent actions, Njenga has long been a controversial figure in the country.
Mungiki, which means “multitude” in the Kikuyu language, was initially formed as a religious sect in the 1980s before evolving into a criminal organisation involved in various illegal activities such as extortion, drug trafficking, and assassinations. The group’s violent tactics, including beheadings and public executions, earned them a notorious reputation.
Njenga’s involvement with Mungiki dates back to its early years. He was considered a significant enforcer within the organisation and played a crucial role in its expansion and influence. However, in 2010, Njenga publicly denounced Mungiki and claimed to have abandoned its criminal activities after a religious awakening.
Since then, Njenga has professed to have turned his life around and dedicated himself to promoting peace and socio-economic development within his community. He has been involved in various initiatives aimed at rehabilitating former Mungiki members and integrating them back into society. Njenga’s efforts have been met with a mix of scepticism and acceptance, with some praising his transformation while others remain cautious.