Nyeri: Suspected Mungiki Members Allied To Maina Njenga Burst Into Songs At Police Cells

• Suspects who were arrested for attempting to attend the meeting planned by ex-Mungiki leader Maina Njenga converted the cell into a worship centre
• Over 250 suspects from the Mt Kenya region were arrested on allegations of being aligned with the outlawed Mungiki organisation
• Njenga's lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, denounced the arrest and detention, terming it unlawful as he alleged mistreatment at the cells

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Nyeri - Nearly 300 residents who were arrested for attempting to attend the ex-Mungiki leader Maina Njenga's meeting at the Kabiruini showground have turned the police cell into a church.

The suspects sang songs praising the unity of the Agikuyu community with a lot of enthusiasm, disrupting the ambient environment of the institution in unison.

Maina Njenga's lawyer criticises arrest

The lawyer representing the ex-Mungiki leader, Ndegwa Njiru, condemned the unlawful confinement of the suspects, underscoring the inhumane conditions within the cells.

Ndegwa raised concerns about all detainees being housed in small cells without consideration for their diverse genders and ages.

In a passionate statement, Ndegwa urged the government to either release the suspects promptly or be prepared to bear the consequences stemming from the illegitimate detention.

"You will have to release them unconditionally and take them to court, or if anything happens, I will not be responsible. You cannot pack over 300 people in these small cells. And there is no separation of gender. These guys have not eaten for the last three days, let alone taking water. That is very inhuman; at least give them the minimum basic human requirements," claimed Ndegwa.

The legal representative asserted that the individuals in question were detained based on their community affiliation, emphasising that law enforcement officers verified their national identification before apprehending them.

The advocate further claimed that only individuals of Kikuyu descent were taken into custody under suspicion of involvement with the Mungiki sect.

Police recover suspicious items from suspects

The government banned Njenga's 'prayer' meeting scheduled for the end of the year 2023, citing it as unlawful.

However, some youths from Murangá, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Kiambu, and Nyeri who had purposed to attend the meeting felt aggrieved and followed their hearts, leading to the unexpected arrests.

According to Murangá County Police Commander Kahinga Matthew, the suspects were caught with paraphernalia identifiable with activities of the outlawed group, which included tobacco, knives, goats, and Mungiki flags.