- The President said Kenyans are alive to the damage the group has previously done to the country.
- He challenged Azimio to instead prepare their agenda and sell it to Kenyans.
Image: PCS
President William Ruto has blamed the opposition for the mobilising a resurgence of the outlawed Mungiki group for political reasons.
The President warned that leaders in the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya are behind the group's attempt to make a comeback in the Mt Kenya region.
A tough-speaking Ruto said under his leadership, no illegal groups will be allowed to thrive and trouble peace in the country.
''There will be nothing like Mungiki in this country because we know the losses they have caused,'' Ruto said in Kirinyaga on Tuesday.
The President said his administration will firmly deal with illegal groups of any kind and challenged the opposition to leave Kenyan youths alone.
''Let me tell you Kenyans that we will not allow illegal groups. Those opposition leaders are trying to bring back Mungiki, bhang, extort Kenyans with illegal levies and trouble our mothers,'' he said.
''I want to tell you opposition leaders that if you think Mungiki are special people, please bring on your children and recruit them first, leave our children alone.''
Ruto's remarks come after opposition leaders led by Azimio boss Raila Odinga slammed the government for allegedly persecuting former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga.
Njenga was arrested and arraigned in court in Nakuru but his prosecution was marred by protests from groups of youths believed to be Mungiki members.
''We can't accept that in this day and age, we have people who want to circumcise women, collect illegal fees and trouble peace, that will not happen in Kenya,'' Ruto said.
''Those thinking tat they can use Mungiki for politics must stop doing that and sell their agenda.''