Chaos erupted in Nyeri after Maina Njenga, accompanied by youths, stormed a prayer meeting organized by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s spouse, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi.
The incident happened at Kamukunji Grounds in Nyeri, where Pastor Dorcas was evangelizing. Eyewitnesses say Pastor Dorcas was forced to leave the event after the chaos erupted.
The event has caused political unease in the region amid fears that the group of youths accompanying the former Mungiki leader were out to disrupt the meeting.
Gachagua, who was ousted last October, was expected to attend the event later in the afternoon. He, however, did not show up.
A collage of former Mungiki leader, Maina Njenga and hundreds of youths storming Kamukunji Stadium in Nyeri, on Saturday, January 18, 2024.
On Friday, January 17, Pastor Dorcas announced the details of the event, inviting Kenyans to join her and other believers for a fellowship.
“We are already preparing for tomorrow’s prayers at Kamukunji Stadium, Nyeri, and we warmly welcome you to join us for this special day of seeking God together,” she had shared through her official social media pages, adding, “See you there!”
Maina Njenga was not scheduled to attend the religious meeting. However, rumours were swirling around about his arrival at the meeting, which caused tension.
The ex-Mungiki leader at the start of the year vowed to counter and undermine leaders opposed to President William Ruto, including the ousted Rigathi Gachagua. His claims were followed by a barrage of attacks from Gachagua.
The relationship between Gachagua and Maina Njenga has been characterized by tension and conflict, primarily due to political rivalry and differing ideologies. Njenga’s legal troubles have also played a role in shaping their enmity.
After facing criminal charges related to his alleged ties with Mungiki for 18 months, he was released when the prosecution team withdrew the case due to difficulties securing witness testimonies.
Gachagua has publicly accused Njenga of attempting to revive the Mungiki sect, which is an outlawed group associated with criminal activities in Kenya.
“An attempt is being made now to revive that criminal gang. Two months ago they had started illegal revenue collection,” Gachagua had stated in January 2, 2024, while responding to the arrest of over 250 youths suspected of being members of Mungiki.
In May 2023, while still serving as the second in command, Gachagua warned Njenga against any attempts to re-establish this group, emphasizing that the government would take necessary measures to ensure public safety.
However, in a swift turn of events, after Gachagua’s impeachment, Maina Njenga joined forces with President Ruto.
Njenga has criticized Gachagua for his perceived failures in revitalizing key economic sectors such as coffee and tea production in the Mt. Kenya region.
During a prayer meeting at Kabiruini Showground in Nyeri, Njenga expressed dissatisfaction with Gachagua’s leadership and called for unity among residents to support development initiatives.
The ongoing rivalry suggests that both leaders are vying for control over political influence within the Mt. Kenya region as they prepare for future elections.
Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga.
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Maina Njenga