Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua is in the middle of a fresh contention after he graced the burial of a suspected Mungiki leader - Joseph Chege alias Jose – who was mysteriously abducted and murdered alongside his colleague.
According to the Nakuru Street Traders and Hawkers Association (NSTHA), the deceased was the leader of a ruthless gang which destroyed their kiosks during an eviction exercise last year.
“We are dismayed that the governor opted to associate himself with people suspected to belong to a banned sect and it is now clear they have been enjoying his (governor’s) protection,” (NSTHA) Chairman Simon ole Nasieku claimed.
However, in his defence, Governor Mbugua stated that he attended the burial since he had a personal relationship with the deceased.
“I have known him since 1997 and my relationship with him did not start when I became governor. He has been instrumental in supporting county government programmes and implementing youth projects,” Mbugua said.
The NSTHA chairman indicated that there was an emergence of criminal networks in the town ahead of the 2017 elections, stating that the trend was worrying.
Senior security officers in the county are reported to have warned the Governor over attending the controversial burial, noting that they were shocked when officers on the ground reported his presence.
“It sent a wrong signal. The two were known in the intelligence circles for leading the ruthless Mungiki sect in Nakuru,” the Standard quotes a senior officer.
Nevertheless, the Governor vowed to relentlessly pursue those behind the killing of the two businessmen – Mr Chege and Shem Wachira.
The bodies of the two were found at the City Mortuary a week after they were abducted.
Read Also: Nakuru Businessmen Found Dead After Abduction
