Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reassured the public that the government is resolute in preventing the resurgence of the illegal Mungiki sect, urging young people to reject any attempts to join the outlawed group.
Gachagua disclosed that since November of the previous year, certain youths from the Mt Kenya region associated with the illicit sect had been causing distress to community members, particularly women, through extortion.
He condemned the efforts to revive the criminal organization, highlighting their recent activities such as collecting illegal levies from public transportation areas and hardware stores, as well as harassing women. He urged leaders not to succumb to intimidation tactics employed by a handful of individuals.
The Deputy President sternly warned Mungiki leaders against enticing young people into joining their ranks, calling upon the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to thwart their recruitment endeavors.
“We have a duty to shield our youth from exploitation and involvement in criminal endeavors,” emphasized Gachagua, expressing his readiness to bear any political consequences in the pursuit of safeguarding women and young people.
Meanwhile, 299 individuals suspected of belonging to the Mungiki sect were apprehended over the weekend and presented before a Nyeri court. Despite pleading not guilty to the charges of being part of an illegal sect, they were each granted bail of Sh. 10,000.
Their legal representative, Ndegwa Njiru, argued that the arrests were politically motivated, orchestrated by influential figures in the Mount Kenya region aiming to silence dissent. The suspects, prior to their court appearance, protested vocally at the police station, surrounded by a heavy security presence.
As the legal proceedings progress, Njiru awaits clarification from authorities regarding the delay in court appearances, maintaining that his clients are victims of political persecution.
The case is scheduled for mention in various Nyeri courts later this month.