Two Suspected Mungiki Members Lynched In Kirinyaga, Raising Fears Of Resurgence

Violent clashes erupted in the South Ngariama ranching scheme in Mwea Constituency on Wednesday when local residents confronted suspected members of the outlawed Mungiki sect, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.

The incident unfolded in the afternoon, with residents accusing the suspected sect members of exploitation, including forced land takeovers and extortion.

The confrontation escalated when residents stormed the houses of the suspects, leading to a fierce battle where the sect members were overpowered, beaten, and stoned. Two men were hacked and lynched, and seven houses were set ablaze, leaving a stark reminder of the community’s rejection of the sect’s activities.

According to locals who spoke to the press, the sect members have frustrated residents with extortionate demands. Farmers in the village who irrigate their farms using water pumps are reportedly charged a fee, which, given its exorbitant rate, has led many farmers to abandon their fields.

Fed up and facing economic extinction, the community took matters into their own hands. They believe the killings sent a clear warning that the sect is not welcome in their community and that any remaining members would suffer the same fate. This incident occurs at a time when there are rumors that the outlawed sect is regrouping, sending chills through many in the region, particularly those who have experienced the horrors of the group in the past.

The local police, led by Mwea-East Sub-County police commander Mr. Mohammed Jarso, quickly responded to restore calm and ensured the bodies were taken to Kerugoya Referral Hospital mortuary. Mr. Jarso confirmed the deaths and destruction, attributing the clash to underlying land disputes within the scheme.

He emphasized the importance of using legal channels to address grievances rather than resorting to vigilante justice, stating, “Residents should report to us if they are being mistreated by the invading group instead of causing bloody chaos.”

Chilling Mungiki Memory

The Mungiki, once a feared sect in Kenya, particularly in the Central region, known for its violent practices, has a history of clashing with communities over land, extortion, and other criminal activities.

In Kirinyaga, the sect has faced resistance before; notably in 2009, when locals successfully expelled members who had infiltrated from neighboring counties.

In Mt Kenya region, the undying chilling memory of the Mungiki menace lives on. Mention the name Mungiki and those who have drunk from its cup of wrath will jump out of fear.

Fears of resurgence

Recently, a section of the political class raised fears of a resurgence of the Mungiki in the Mt. Kenya region. Standing on a pulpit on the 4th of January 2025, Gachagua in his character of a self-proclaimed man who speaks the truth boldly, sounded an alarm.

Gachagua expressed his reservations over a meeting held on December 31st 2024 at Kabiruini stadium in Nyeri where former Mungiki Leader Maina Njenga was the face of the gathering.

Gachagua further alleged Njenga’s presence in the Mt Kenya region signals a resurgence of the outlawed Mungiki sect through the help of the government.

Njenga would later storm a prayer meeting that Gachagua was supposed to attend but sent his wife Pastor Dorcas Rigathi. The meeting was organized by the members of the Akurinu Group.

However, a section of legislators from the Mount Kenya Region allied to President William Ruto hold a different opinion to the recent happenings.

Despite the political bickering between the two factions divided by loyalty the leaders are reading from the same script on one thing, the cup of wrath of the Mungiki.

The Central Region security apparatus says it is monitoring the situation following this recent development.

In 2002, 2010, and 2016 the government banned a total of 116 organised gangs, majority linked to political activities, in response to brutal murders, extortion attributed to them.

According to a study report on organized gangs in Kenya 2012 by the National Crime Research Centre, organized criminal gangs have a strong influence on the country’s political system. Politicians support the gangs in various ways in return for intimidation of opponents, protection, campaigns and votes.