Kenya, police warn Mungiki

Police issue stern warning against Mungiki

Written By:Nickolas Kigondu   , Posted: Thu, Apr 17, 2008

Drama erupted in the city centre Thursday afternoon after word went round that members of the outlawed Mungiki sect were attempting to enter the central business district.

Vehicles were pulled off the road as traders within the CBD hurriedly closed after word went round that the sect members had entered the city centre from downtown kariokor roundabout.

Earlier, two Nissan Matatus and a city hoppa bus were attacked in Nairobi’s Kawangware estate as the sect members continued with the orgy of violence and intimidation against civilians.

A security operation was immediately launched in the area leading to the arrest of seven suspected sect members.

The latest development comes even as police headquarters issued a stern warning on anyone intent on breaching peace during the burial of mungiki leader Maina Njenga’s wife Virginia nyakio

Meanwhile, police headquarters says stern action will be taken against those planning to hijack the burial of mungiki leaders’ wife Virginia Nyakio.

In a statement, the force advices the family to limit procession to close family members only saying it has received information that criminals might hijack the burial to cause mayhem. 

In Murang’a district the situation remains tense with the area DC Kenneth Lusaka calling for an emergency meeting between the district security committee and area traders.

Forty rapid response police officers have also been deployed in the area.

Meanwhile, Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai has added her voice to the growing mungiki controversy saying she is ready to mediate between the government and the sect members.