Mungiki does not exist anymore, I retired with everything - Maina Njenga

Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga now says that the outlawed sect ceased operations after his retirement.

Speaking on Citizen TV’s JKLive Show on Wednesday night, Njenga confirmed that he had led the gang for about 20 years prior to his exit.

He went on to disclose that the gang is presently non-existent, and that he now leads a peaceful initiative.

“Some 40 years, I used to lead an organization called Mungiki. But, after 20 years, I retired. Mungiki is not there anymore, when you retire you retire with everything,” he said.

“I have never heard anyone coming up and saying he is responsible, but those days I used to be the Chairman.”

According to Njenga, he is currently referred to as ‘Chairman’ since he leads a peaceful organisation dubbed ‘The Amani Sasa Foundation’ which he says is mandated to unite people where there is a rift.

“I am the Chairman and CEO of the Amani Sasa Foundation. The organization is about peace and reconciliation. We try to reconcile those people who are not in agreement,” he said.

Njenga’s remarks come months after he was arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in what some termed was over his role as ex-Mungiki boss.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki had early this year also warned of the alleged resurgence of the Mungiki sect in Central and Eastern Kenya, further hinting that they had been seen chanting outside DCI offices.

"We saw them chanting outside the DCI when we arrested a suspect (Maina Njenga) and you can see the courage and demeanor of these criminals. I reiterate again that any person who thinks we can go back to the years when terror groups, hiding behind culture, raped, killed and extorted our people is mistaken," he said in March.

"All those who are recruiting unsuspecting youths to join prescribed organisations are enemies of Kenya and for the sake of Kenya, we will come for you and get rid of you. As much as I want to decongest prisons, I have room for dangerous criminals."

The assertions by CS Kindiki followed similar remarks by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who said any attempt to resurrect the outlawed Mungiki sect would be met with swift and decisive action.