Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga has said he does not regret being a member of the group.
Njenga explained that the organization united them, and the problem is that they failed to register as they had no knowledge, being young village boys.
According to Njenga they only realized later that they were to register the Mungiki organization.
He however, admitted to some of the illegal crimes, saying they were only reacting to their tough childhood background.
While speaking during an interview with Spice FM, Maina dismissed claims by the government on the possible return of Mungiki sect, saying there were no activities suggesting so.
Also Read: Ex-Mungiki Leader Maina Njenga Released on Ksh 50k Bond
“I was a member of Mungiki 20 years ago, we did many activities then like meetings, going to the mountains and baptizing people at night which are no longer happening.” Njenga said.
According to Njenga, Mungiki organization began in the 80’s, and as a group of young and unmarried people.
He added that Mungiki have naturally retired by age and the claim of its return is unbelievable.
“If somebody was born in 1980/82, its past 40 years, they are saying the Mungiki today are in their 20’s, it is unbelievable,” he noted.
On curbing crime in some parts of the country, the politician said the government should address the poverty menace first.
“What the country needs is to solve the poverty problem in Kenya. Poverty brings people together to liberate themselves,” he added.
Maina Njenga gave an example of Laikipia his home region saying state had labeled the youth cattle rustlers and gangsters.
On the other hand, he claimed the government has failed by not providing employment opportunities after campaign promises.
“When people are pushed to the extreme, they get involved in illegal activities, so it is good that the government deals with the problems facing people at grassroot levels.” He stated.
He further urged the government to build schools, hospitals, roads, and provide electricity to improve the lives of residents of such areas.
This, he expounded, will significantly help reduce crime levels.
Likewise, Njenga opined that while campaigning, politicians are only after getting into office and neglecting the people.
He said some of these politicians bribe the youth to vote for them to ascend to power.
Also Read: Ex Mungiki Leader Maina Njenga Speaks on His Arrest
On why the youth cannot be honest in choosing good leaders, Maina held that, it is poverty that makes people accept bribes.
Nonetheless, the former Mungiki sect leaders called on the youth to organize themselves into productive groups, invest together and earn a living.
As he introduced himself, Maina Njenga noted that he is a peasant farmer from Laikipia, a businessman a bishop and a politician.
Njenga’s Arrest
Maina Njenga’s remarks come even after police arrested him in May and arraigned at the Nakuru Law Courts.
The Court charged him with 12 counts including being a Mungiki member and recruiting members into the organization.
Njenga was also accused of being in possession of “a military backpack strap, property of the National Police Service (NPS) suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained.”
He was however released on a Ksh 50,000 bond and Ksh 100,000 cash bail.
