Journalist Pins Down CS Kindiki Over Uhuru Funding Mungiki Claims

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, April 26, 2023.
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, April 26, 2023.
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The Senate of Kenya

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) was on Wednesday, May 31, hard-pressed to address claims that linked President Uhuru Kenyatta to the activities of the outlawed Mungiki sect. 

Kindiki, while delivering the Second Public Accountability Statement for his ministry at at Harambee House, was put to task to explain if in deed the former Head of State had any connection with the criminal gang.

Citizen TV’s Chemutai Goin while posing the question, referenced that it was a narrative that was being repeatedly made by state officers. 

“On cultural extremism, one of the issues we have seen and heard utterances made by yourself and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is that there are certain individuals that are funding the resurgence of the outlawed Mungiki sect.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta speaking during the Jubilee Party  National Delegates Convention (NDC)on May 22, 2023.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta speaking during the Jubilee Party National Delegates Convention (NDC)on May 22, 2023.
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Jubilee Party

“One of the persons mentioned is Uhuru. Are there links you have found on his connection with the funding of Mungiki and what are you doing about it?” Goin asked.

The CS carefully evaded responding if he had made such utterances and did not implicate the former president in any way. 

"I cannot comment on that. But I want to say that anyone who is involved in encouraging crime, it does not matter their rank in society, they have a date with me and my officers,” he responded.

Kindiki revealed though that there were signs that Mungiki was reemerging in Mt Kenya.

“We are witnessing cultural extremism, especially in Central Kenya and Upper Easter Region which is perpetuating crimes we have been fighting in those areas.

“In Central Kenya, we have seen a re-emergence of cultural extremism by groups outlawed. We saw them chanting outside DCI when we arrested a suspect,” he remarked.

He vowed to move with speed to make sure they were quashed before they could commit atrocities.

“Any person who thinks that we can go back to the years when terror groups hiding behind a culture that victimised our women and children as well as extorted money from business people. That person is dead wrong.

“For the sake of Kenya, we have to come for you and get rid of you so that you go where criminals go. Criminals are supposed to be in prison,” Kindiki vowed.

Thika MP Alice Ng'ang'a, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at AIPCA Church in Thika on May 28, 2023.
From left to right: Thika MP Alice Ng'ang'a, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at AIPCA Church in Thika on May 28, 2023.
DPPS

On Sunday, May 28, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused former Mungiki Leader Maina Njenga of trying to revive the sect claiming that he was extorting money from the general public.

"That sect leader is whereby the money was being collected and take all the money to him and any attempt to recreate their activity will not be allowed," he vowed.

On Monday, May 29, the DP further alleged that Uhuru had a hand in funding the youth uprising in the mountain.

“Why are you setting up young men against the security apparatus? What political agenda do you want to achieve using other people's children?" he asked.

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