- The subcounty has, for a long time, grappled with the Mungiki problem.
- It was seen as the base of the sect when it wreaked havoc in the county over a decade ago.
Image: Alice Waithera
Security officers in Murang’a county have sounded a warning to the outlawed Mungiki sect to desist from harassing members of the public.
This follows reports that members of the sect have regrouped and are now extorting money from matatu operators in Kigumo.
The subcounty has, for a long time, grappled with the Mungiki problem. It was seen as the base of the sect when it wreaked havoc in the county over a decade ago.
In 2007, members of the sect had taken over the matatu sector in the county and were openly imposing charges on public service vehicles, including taxis, on certain routes.
In Kigumo, homeowners had to part with a certain amount of money to construct a permanent or semi-permanent house before the government reined in the group.
But as normalcy resumed in other parts of the county, members in Kigumo just took a tactical retreat for a short while before resuming their operations albeit secretly.
For a long time, one matatu Sacco controlled operations in the subcounty until security organs, led by Central regional commissioner Wilfred Nyagwanga, intervened in January last year. Three other Saccos were able to gain access to the area.
Nyagwanga said criminal gangs that operated along the route made it impossible for other Saccos to ply the route and asked matatu operators to stop giving money to the gangs, promising to beef up security.
County police commander Donatha Kiplangat said the members are still collecting money from matatu operators. She, however, assured that measures have been put in place to eradicate the illegal group, saying it will not be allowed to continue disrupting the peace.
Kiplangat appealed to matatu operators to inform the police of the people engaging in the crime so that action can be taken against them.
“Mungiki members engage in criminal activities. Once we get information on who is involved, we will use all the available resources to arrest and prosecute them,” she said.
“Don’t sit back with the information and give in to the extortion. As security officers, we will fight the sect until proper security is restored in Kigumo.”
The main challenge is residents' unwillingness to volunteer information to the police for fear that they may be harmed, she said.
Speaking during a meeting with members of the Nyumba Kumi Initiative on Friday, Kiplangat said the security team has intelligence that the sect has resurged.
She said residents can also report through the national ‘Mulika Uhalifu’ hotline 988 that is toll-free and does not indicate the name of the person giving the information.
“Start your text with the word Murang’a because the hotline is national and then explain the exact area and we will get the information without your identity,” she said, adding that security in the area has been wanting and the situation would have been worse were it not for the cooperation of all stakeholders.
She reiterated that the role of maintaining security is individual and requires all to play their part to ensure peace.
Kiplangat said when the government started Nyumba Kumi, the aim was to provide a platform for citizens to come together and identify the challenges facing them, especially with regard to security matters.
“It is time the community in Kigumo came together and discussed the Mungiki menace and know that what you see and don’t report may happen to you next,” she said.
County Criminal Investigations Officer Daniel Kandie cautioned residents, especially the youth, against being lured into joining the gang. He instead urged them to work hard for a decent living.
“We are looking at this sect keenly and will apply the full force of the law to ensure it is eradicated,” he said.
The group lures youths with the promise of easy but little money extorted from hardworking Kenyans, he said, adding that the trend has to stop.
Early this year, three persons suspected of being members of the gang were arrested and charged at Kigumo law courts with engaging in organised crimes.
Gibson Wanjiku was released on a Sh2 million bond after pleading not guilty. The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions later withdrew the case for lack of evidence.
Isaac Kamande was also released on a bond of Sh10 million after pleading not guilty. The case was also withdrawn by the DPP for lack of evidence.
John Kamande was charged with committing the same offence and was released on a Sh20,000 bond. The case is ongoing and is slated for hearing on March 3 next year.