Former leader of the Mungiki sect, Maina Njenga, has raised allegations of unauthorized raids on his residences in Laikipia and Nairobi by law enforcement agencies, the motives for which remain indeterminate.
Contrarily, the police force has dismissed the allegations, denying any knowledge of the purported incidents.
Njenga asserts that his residences in Nairobi’s elite Lavington and Karen neighborhoods, along with Ol’Ng’arua and Muthaiga in Laikipia County, were visited by armed personnel between 4am and 6.30am. He, however, failed to provide any supporting evidence.
Christopher Wafula, a laborer at Njenga’s Muthaiga home in Nyahururu town, informed The Times that he saw a group of armed men arrive in two Land Cruisers around 6.30am.
“They knocked and declared their intention to search the premises. After letting them in, they abruptly left post-inspection without uttering a word,” he recalled at the property, formerly owned by the late marathoner Samuel Kamau Wanjiru.
A worker at Njenga’s Ol’Ng’arua residence also confirmed a similar visit by armed individuals, who left after an hour-long search.
“They demanded information regarding Mr. Njenga’s whereabouts. We couldn’t provide any, resulting in their silent departure,” the worker revealed, requesting anonymity.
However, when reached for a statement, Nyahururu Sub-County Police Commander Tom Okoth dismissed any knowledge of the alleged incidents.
“I am not privy to any information regarding a raid on Mr. Njenga’s premises or any involvement of my officers in such incidents,” he told The Times.
However, despite the official dismissal, insiders within the security services revealed to The Times that Njenga is sought for questioning over reports of an alleged plan to disrupt the funeral of Mukami Kimathi, the late widow of freedom fighter Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi, scheduled for Saturday.
“There are intelligence reports suggesting Mr. Njenga’s intentions to disrupt the burial…hence, the search for him,” the source disclosed.
“Mr. Njenga did visit the late Mukami’s residence on Thursday, pledging his presence at the funeral alongside opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. However, rumors are rife about his plans to disrupt the service, which is expected to be attended by President William Ruto,” the source further divulged.
When approached for comment, Njenga confirmed, “I was alerted of the raids by my employees. They informed me that the officers were searching for me.”
He speculated that the alleged raids are linked to the impending funeral in Njabini, Kinangop, and termed them as attempts to deter him from attending.
“Whoever is orchestrating these raids should know, I will be present at the funeral,” he declared over the phone.
He also reiterated his visit to Mukami Kimathi’s residence and his intent to attend the funeral alongside opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Odinga, the leader of Azimio La Umoja One Kenya, confirmed his attendance at the service earlier this week.
“The funeral of Shujaa Mama Mukami wa Kimathi is an event I cannot miss. We were very close and I will be in Njabini for her final rites,” Odinga stated.
Expected attendees also include President William Ruto, his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta, and Deputy Rigathi Gachagua, alongside other senior county and national leaders.