Former Mugiki leader Miana Njenga on Friday, July 14, while talking on a radio talk show explained why the late President Daniel Arap Moi allowed the outlawed Mungiki group to man the matatu industry.
Speaking in an interview with Spice FM, Maina told the hosts that at the time the industry was a mess, especially in rural areas and the youth did not have jobs.
In a bid to resolve the issues, the former leader of the outlawed sect narrated that the former President allowed young people to offer security and man the sector.
"When people started investing in the matatu industry, we approached former President Daniel Moi and told him we have a problem, especially in the villages and we suggested a way of helping. We asked the president whether we can join the industry and work with the owners and he agreed," he stated.
While on it, the move created jobs for young people and streamlined the industry.
In exchange, drivers paid Ksh100 per night for the youth to watch over and wash the vehicle adding that it was a small price to pay for safety.
Njenga narrated that trouble started when the government began to question why the group was entrusted with the sensitive sector.
"It was only 20 years later that the government decided we were not doing a good job. What we were doing then is what is going on now," he remarked.
Maina added that the industry was a source of income for most Kenyans even those with university degrees.
"If you can not get a job, create opportunities for yourself. You can not just stay in the house waiting for someone to employ you. We were helping the young men raise capital to start businesses," he stated.
He emphasised that despite disassociating from the group, he was still involved in helping the youth build a living.
The former leader was accused of inciting the youth and planning to bring back Mungiki and disrupt the public recently, claims he has since denied.
He further dismissed claims that he wants to be the next kingpin of Mt Kenya as claimed by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
"I have heard the deputy president talk about me a lot. They claim I want to be the Mt Kenya kingpin, but I do not think I am interested in that position. I am past that," he remarked.
