By Francis Mureithi
MAINA Njenga wants to convert the six million youth he led in the Mungiki sect to join his new Amazing Grace International church.
In an exclusive interview with the Star yesterday, Njenga said he now wants to teach young people the true gospel and admitted he had misled them in the past.
He said his one-month-old church already has 10,000 followers and the number is expected to shoot up in the coming weeks with the opening of branches across the country.
The church has been meeting on an open ground behind the Labour Party of Kenya offices on Amboseli Road between Nairobi's Lavington and Kawangware estates.
Njenga describing as "primary school" the period when he led Mungiki youth to follow African traditional religion and pray facing Mt Kenya. He said they now need to be converted to believe in the true God.
"I had a very big following of people to the tune of 5 to 6 million. We want these people to continue believing in God. I have to change their faith, I want to train them to become non-violent because I am a teacher, I am a doctor and I am an ambassador of peace," said Njenga.
"I have been teaching them about facing Mt Kenya, I have to go back to them and tell them that we were wrong in some ways. Let's start reading the Bible," he said.
Mungiki is a proscribed sect whose members are often accused of operating protection rackets in the matatu business and in the slums.
Njenga said he does not care whether the government puts his church under close scrutiny.
"It does not matter, governments come and go but people are the government. If people believe in what you are doing, nobody can oppose you," said Njenga at the LPK offices from where he now operates.
He accused some police officers of trying to preserve Mungiki sect because they have been the beneficiaries of extortion.
"The police cannot be happy when Mungiki is getting finished because they work with Mungiki.
They are the people who organise those young groups to go to the matatu industry so that whatever cash they get they share," said the former Mungiki leader.
Since his release from prison last year, Njenga has become a preacher of peace and harmony while building a political empire behind the scenes comprising young people from Central, Nairobi and Central Rift Valley provinces.
Njenga, whose National Youth Movement for Yes mobilised five million youth during the August 4 referendum on the new constitution, is mapping out strategies to transform his church into a political party with civic, parliamentary and presidential candidates.
The movement has been converted into the Amazing Grace International. Some of the leaders called themselves Warembo ni Yes during the referendum campaigns but are now calling themselves Warembo ni Yesu and leading groups in their respective constituencies.
Yesterday Njenga denied that he harboured political ambitions ahead of the 2012 elections.
"I don't have such ambition. I am not of the class of going to high places. I am a simple man," he said.
He said he quit Bishop Margaret Wanjiru's Jesus Is Alive Ministries after they disagreed on the new constitution. Wanjiru campaigned for the rejection of the new constitution while Njenga was in the Yes camp.
Njenga said he was still a personal friend of Wanjiru and campaigned for her during the recent Starehe by-elections where she recaptured her seat.
He added that his attempts to join other churches have been thwarted.
"If I go to any church, they do not give me time to talk about my salvation. They are afraid because I am going to influence their followers. Every time I go to their church, they feel threatened. We need to have our own independence," said Njenga.
Last Sunday, his church received visitors from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Njenga said.
He said the Amazing Grace International has its roots in Washington DC in the USA.
Rev Grace Kariuki and her husband Richard Kariuki are founders of Amazing Grace International Ministries and Amazing Grace Children's Centre Outreach ministry based in Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa and Warrenton, Virginia in U.S.A.
Rev Grace is ordained by Northern Virginia Ministerial Association, Deliverance Church, Kenya and Faith Covenant Ministerial Association, USA. Grace holds a doctorate from Life Christian University and Seminary.
Grace relocated her family to USA in 1998 after teaching in public, private and Christian schools in Nairobi, Kenya. Between June 20 and July 20 this year, the Kariukis launched their ministries in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha.
Amazing Grace International Ministries provides shelter, clothes, food medical care and education to the orphans and the homeless children in the streets of Nairobi, Kenya.
The former Mungiki leader was arrested in February 2006 in a dawn raid at his Ngong home. In June 2007 he was sentenced to five years in prison, having been found guilty of having an illegal firearm and marijuana.
During 2007, a police shoot-to-kill policy led to the deaths of over 1000 suspect Mungiki members. In June 2008 while appealing the prison sentence, Njenga's wife Virginia Nyakio was carjacked on Langata Road, shot and her mutilated body was found in Gatundu.
On April 2009 Njenga was acquitted and immediately rearrested and charged with the murder of 30 people that occurred while he was incarcerated.
Six months later in October 2009 the state terminated the charges against him after he filed an affidavit with lawyer Paul Muite threatening to expose the politicians who had worked with Mungiki.
On coming out of jail, he went straight to Bishop Margaret Wanjiru's church, accepted the Lord and was baptised.
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Mungiki Rebrands for 2012: Proscribed sect now becomes a church - The Star
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Mosoku Geoffrey: Maina Njenga throws lavish birthday party - The Star
FORMER Mungiki leader Maina Njenga hosted a lavish party on Saturday to celebrate his 41st birthday.
Over 500 guests, including JIAM Bishop Margaret Wanjiru were ushered into Njenga's 16-roomed mansion in Kitengela by a troupe of hired Maasai women dancers.
They were treated to mouth-watering buffet laid by a catering firm with a wide offering of Kikuyu traditional foods and fruits. The guests washed it down with sodas and bottled water before getting a piece of the birthday cake estimated to cost Sh20,000.
Njenga, who only three weeks ago appealed for help to raise Sh5 million to offset mortuary charges so he can bury his wife murdered two years ago, is believed to have spent at least Sh2.5 million.
"This was my birthday and I can't really estimate the
cost of the bash since most of what you have seen is from friends and family," Njenga said when asked about the cost.
Bishop Wanjiru who recently baptized Njenga who's new name is John, also conducted a cleansing ceremony at the home. She "anointed" Njenga and his three children.
"The cleansing of this home is in readiness for the burial arrangements. We shall soon raise enough funds to clear the Sh5 million morgue bill," Maina said.
Bishop Wanjiru said Njenga's decision to invite friends and neighbours was a sign of change.
"This was where evil was planned, this was where criminal activities were organised from, this was a scene of violent confrontations between the youths and police leading to spilling of blood," she said.
Maina, accompanied by his cousin Ndura Waruinge, said he will dedicate his birthday to planting trees.
"We can now say that Mungiki is a dead animal, it is dead," he said.
Over 500 guests, including JIAM Bishop Margaret Wanjiru were ushered into Njenga's 16-roomed mansion in Kitengela by a troupe of hired Maasai women dancers.
They were treated to mouth-watering buffet laid by a catering firm with a wide offering of Kikuyu traditional foods and fruits. The guests washed it down with sodas and bottled water before getting a piece of the birthday cake estimated to cost Sh20,000.
Njenga, who only three weeks ago appealed for help to raise Sh5 million to offset mortuary charges so he can bury his wife murdered two years ago, is believed to have spent at least Sh2.5 million.
"This was my birthday and I can't really estimate the
cost of the bash since most of what you have seen is from friends and family," Njenga said when asked about the cost.Bishop Wanjiru who recently baptized Njenga who's new name is John, also conducted a cleansing ceremony at the home. She "anointed" Njenga and his three children.
"The cleansing of this home is in readiness for the burial arrangements. We shall soon raise enough funds to clear the Sh5 million morgue bill," Maina said.
Bishop Wanjiru said Njenga's decision to invite friends and neighbours was a sign of change.
"This was where evil was planned, this was where criminal activities were organised from, this was a scene of violent confrontations between the youths and police leading to spilling of blood," she said.
Maina, accompanied by his cousin Ndura Waruinge, said he will dedicate his birthday to planting trees.
"We can now say that Mungiki is a dead animal, it is dead," he said.
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Njuguna dodged trap before Luthuli bullet - By Star Reporters
TWO days before he was shot dead, Mungiki spokesman Njuguna Gitau reportedly escaped a trap in the Nairobi city centre that may have claimed the lives of two of his companions.
Njuguna headed the Kenya Youth Alliance, the political wing of Mungiki. He was shot dead on Luthuli Avenue on Thursday, November 5.
The 32-year-old father of three will be buried today at his father's home in Ngoriba in Thika.
Sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said Njuguna was invited to a meeting on November 3 on the 10th floor of International Life House by unknown people.
When they got there, they found the floor was empty because it had been vacated by the previous tenant.
Njuguna then left his four companions and went downstairs to check with the Centre for Multiparty Democracy offices on the 6th floor.
He was advised by staff that the floor where the meeting was supposed to take place was unoccupied and he left immediately.
Human rights activist Njeri Kabeberi of the CMD yesterday confirmed that Njuguna had visited their offices to seek information about the meeting place.
The four companions who were with him have reportedly vanished.
International Life House has a police post with CCTV coverage of every floor.
On November 11, the BuruBuru police division delivered to the City Mortuary five unidentified bodies.
An attendant at the mortuary, who declined to be named, said the bodies belonged to Mungiki members who had been gunned down by the police in Dandora estate.
However the Star viewed the bodies and established that two victims had their eyes gouged out, which is not consistent with a shoot-out with thieves.
Another body had a deep cut on the head while another two had bullet wounds on their heads and abdomen.
Yesterday, police spokesman Erick Kiraithe declined to comment.
Kiraithe said investigations were underway and that he was not privy to the proceedings.
Police commissioner Mathew Iteere has denied media reports that Njuguna was gunned down by the police. Iteere told a press conference last week that investigations into the killings were ongoing.
After Njuguna left International Life House on November 3, he attended another meeting with five clergymen at Jacob Wells school in Rongai.
Returning later that day, Njuguna was shot at by people in a white Toyota Corolla as his taxi approached Museum Hill roundabout, according to a Mungiki source.
Former Kabete MP Paul Muite, last week claimed in a sworn affidavit that Njuguna told him at a goat-eating ceremony in Kitengela that police had warned him that he and Maina Njenga would soon be killed.
Njuguna headed the Kenya Youth Alliance, the political wing of Mungiki. He was shot dead on Luthuli Avenue on Thursday, November 5.
The 32-year-old father of three will be buried today at his father's home in Ngoriba in Thika.
Sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said Njuguna was invited to a meeting on November 3 on the 10th floor of International Life House by unknown people.
When they got there, they found the floor was empty because it had been vacated by the previous tenant.
Njuguna then left his four companions and went downstairs to check with the Centre for Multiparty Democracy offices on the 6th floor.
He was advised by staff that the floor where the meeting was supposed to take place was unoccupied and he left immediately.
Human rights activist Njeri Kabeberi of the CMD yesterday confirmed that Njuguna had visited their offices to seek information about the meeting place.
The four companions who were with him have reportedly vanished.
International Life House has a police post with CCTV coverage of every floor.
On November 11, the BuruBuru police division delivered to the City Mortuary five unidentified bodies.
An attendant at the mortuary, who declined to be named, said the bodies belonged to Mungiki members who had been gunned down by the police in Dandora estate.
However the Star viewed the bodies and established that two victims had their eyes gouged out, which is not consistent with a shoot-out with thieves.
Another body had a deep cut on the head while another two had bullet wounds on their heads and abdomen.
Yesterday, police spokesman Erick Kiraithe declined to comment.
Kiraithe said investigations were underway and that he was not privy to the proceedings.
Police commissioner Mathew Iteere has denied media reports that Njuguna was gunned down by the police. Iteere told a press conference last week that investigations into the killings were ongoing.
After Njuguna left International Life House on November 3, he attended another meeting with five clergymen at Jacob Wells school in Rongai.
Returning later that day, Njuguna was shot at by people in a white Toyota Corolla as his taxi approached Museum Hill roundabout, according to a Mungiki source.
Former Kabete MP Paul Muite, last week claimed in a sworn affidavit that Njuguna told him at a goat-eating ceremony in Kitengela that police had warned him that he and Maina Njenga would soon be killed.
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Mungiki might get a new sect leader, says Maina Njenga - The Star
Maina Njenga yesterday warned that he may not be in full control of the sect as a new leader might emerge to replace him.
Njenga said his five-year incarceration may have weakened his authority and there was no guarantee that his members would follow his lead by renouncing violence.
Njenga's warning came as several leaders of mainstream churches urged caution in admitting sect members into their congregations.
The leaders said some of the sect members were likely to join various churches with ulterior motives.
The former Mungiki leader was set free last week and was immediately driven to Bishop
Margaret Wanjiru's Jesus Is Alive Ministries church where he announced he had changed his ways, was ready to get saved and renounced his violent past.
"You know when you leave your children without a father, the children can go to the neighbour, they can go to a friend and they will start getting other skills. They will be taught some other behavior. I do not want to mention the fathers they got because it is not important at this particular time," said Njenga in reference to the impact his long sojourn in jail has had on his followers whom he estimates to be five million.
Church leaders said it was too early to celebrate Njenga and his followers decamping to the church and read ulterior motives in the sect leader's change of heart.
Catholic Bishop Martin Kivuva Diocese of Machakos said only time will tell if Njenga and his followers have truly reformed or they were using the churches as a means of legitimizing themselves and making them more acceptable to the public.
"It is only by their fruits that we shall know whether they are genuine, whether they are being used and whether they are lining up for 2012," said Bishop Kivuva.
He however said the group should be given a chance to prove that it has truly reformed.
"I will definitely not say hallelujah they have all changed," he said and called on politicians not to take advantage of the developments.
Another Catholic Bishop, who did not want to be named as he was no longer authorised to speak on behalf of the church said it was important for Njenga and other sect members seeking salvation to commit themselves to God.
"The fear we have is that these people may use churches as a recruitment ground," said the respected Bishop.
He said Njenga and his followers should be taken through catechism and taught Christian values before they get baptized.
"I think the Catholic Church should stick to its tradition and teachings before baptising any of the Mungiki members," he added.
Former head of the Anglican Church, Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi said the church should pray for Njenga and his followers to ensure they are truly reformed.
"The church would pray that the Holy Spirit will work upon these people that whatever they say they will mean it. But if what they are saying is not the truth, it will be revealed," said Nzimbi.
The Anglican church through former Bishop Peter Njenga had a few months ago been caught up in a tussle with Bishop Wanjiru over who would conduct Njenga's baptism.
King'ong'o prison authorities had to cancel two 'baptismal ceremonies' due to the confusion.
Njenga who is yet to renounce his membership of the Mungiki said he wanted to take catechism classes ahead of his planned baptism but his followers had asked him to wait so they could all do it together.
Njenga has pledged to use his influence to urge the Mungiki to renounce violence.
The sect is alleged to be behind some of the worst protection and extortion rackets in Nairobi and Central Province enforced through brutal murders of opponents characterised by beheadings and mutilations.
Yesterday, Njenga maintained he did not want to be associated with the sect any more as he was a "changed man."
"For those who believe I am a leader, I have said from today, I want that movement to die and to die forever. I don't want it to resurrect," he said.
He told his sect members to join other churches in their neighbourhoods and even seek leadership positions in those churches.
Njenga said his followers will make a unique church once they start marrying the many young women who are members of Bishop Wanjiru's congregation.
"Just as I will go and lower my wife to the grave, I will also have a second coffin that will symbolize the death of Mungiki," he said during an interview with the Star yesterday.
Njenga's newfound faith and assurance that he has reformed does not seem to have convinced the public or his members.
Several people who had been jointly charged with murdering 29 people in Mathira last April have gone into hiding since they were released at the same time as Njenga.
Vigilante groups last Monday killed two of the sect members suspected to have been involved in the massacre.
In Kirinyaga, suspected sect members who had gone underground resurfaced yesterday and distrib uted leaflets in the town warning the residents they were back in business and would start exerting their revenge on the vigilantes who had driven them out of town.
By Francis Mureithi and Kamore Maina
Njenga said his five-year incarceration may have weakened his authority and there was no guarantee that his members would follow his lead by renouncing violence.
Njenga's warning came as several leaders of mainstream churches urged caution in admitting sect members into their congregations.
The leaders said some of the sect members were likely to join various churches with ulterior motives.
The former Mungiki leader was set free last week and was immediately driven to Bishop
Margaret Wanjiru's Jesus Is Alive Ministries church where he announced he had changed his ways, was ready to get saved and renounced his violent past.
"You know when you leave your children without a father, the children can go to the neighbour, they can go to a friend and they will start getting other skills. They will be taught some other behavior. I do not want to mention the fathers they got because it is not important at this particular time," said Njenga in reference to the impact his long sojourn in jail has had on his followers whom he estimates to be five million.
Church leaders said it was too early to celebrate Njenga and his followers decamping to the church and read ulterior motives in the sect leader's change of heart.
Catholic Bishop Martin Kivuva Diocese of Machakos said only time will tell if Njenga and his followers have truly reformed or they were using the churches as a means of legitimizing themselves and making them more acceptable to the public.
"It is only by their fruits that we shall know whether they are genuine, whether they are being used and whether they are lining up for 2012," said Bishop Kivuva.
He however said the group should be given a chance to prove that it has truly reformed.
"I will definitely not say hallelujah they have all changed," he said and called on politicians not to take advantage of the developments.
Another Catholic Bishop, who did not want to be named as he was no longer authorised to speak on behalf of the church said it was important for Njenga and other sect members seeking salvation to commit themselves to God.
"The fear we have is that these people may use churches as a recruitment ground," said the respected Bishop.
He said Njenga and his followers should be taken through catechism and taught Christian values before they get baptized.
"I think the Catholic Church should stick to its tradition and teachings before baptising any of the Mungiki members," he added.
Former head of the Anglican Church, Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi said the church should pray for Njenga and his followers to ensure they are truly reformed.
"The church would pray that the Holy Spirit will work upon these people that whatever they say they will mean it. But if what they are saying is not the truth, it will be revealed," said Nzimbi.
The Anglican church through former Bishop Peter Njenga had a few months ago been caught up in a tussle with Bishop Wanjiru over who would conduct Njenga's baptism.
King'ong'o prison authorities had to cancel two 'baptismal ceremonies' due to the confusion.
Njenga who is yet to renounce his membership of the Mungiki said he wanted to take catechism classes ahead of his planned baptism but his followers had asked him to wait so they could all do it together.
Njenga has pledged to use his influence to urge the Mungiki to renounce violence.
The sect is alleged to be behind some of the worst protection and extortion rackets in Nairobi and Central Province enforced through brutal murders of opponents characterised by beheadings and mutilations.
Yesterday, Njenga maintained he did not want to be associated with the sect any more as he was a "changed man."
"For those who believe I am a leader, I have said from today, I want that movement to die and to die forever. I don't want it to resurrect," he said.
He told his sect members to join other churches in their neighbourhoods and even seek leadership positions in those churches.
Njenga said his followers will make a unique church once they start marrying the many young women who are members of Bishop Wanjiru's congregation.
"Just as I will go and lower my wife to the grave, I will also have a second coffin that will symbolize the death of Mungiki," he said during an interview with the Star yesterday.
Njenga's newfound faith and assurance that he has reformed does not seem to have convinced the public or his members.
Several people who had been jointly charged with murdering 29 people in Mathira last April have gone into hiding since they were released at the same time as Njenga.
Vigilante groups last Monday killed two of the sect members suspected to have been involved in the massacre.
In Kirinyaga, suspected sect members who had gone underground resurfaced yesterday and distrib uted leaflets in the town warning the residents they were back in business and would start exerting their revenge on the vigilantes who had driven them out of town.
By Francis Mureithi and Kamore Maina
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Mungiki Leader, Maina Njenga Interview on K24 Capital Talk by Jeff Koinange
Maina Njenga, the Mungiki leader, was on Jeff Koinange's K24 Capital talk aptly known as "The Bench". Maina Njenga created Mungiki sect 20 years ago when he was 20 and while he was in high school and crafted it along the worship of the god of Kirinyaga - Kikuyu (Mt Kenya). He is now 40 and has turned over a new leaf via the way of the church. He reportedly says that Mungiki has had a membership of 5 million people.
Have you renounced Mungiki: I have done it. In my original intention I was not serious. It started like a joke while I was in Jomo Kenyatta High School in Nakuru town. Like a joke I said I am going to pray like my forefathers did by praying to the god of mount Kenya as other students went to the Christian Union and Catholic Action Fellowships. Other people started getting interested and they followed. I am not a trouble maker I am a peace maker.
Are you still driving this bus: Some people believe that once you leave Mungiki you will not live again. That is not true. I do not want any movement in front of me, I am serious.
What do you tell all those young men who believe in you as their leader: I want that movement to die and die forever and i dont want it to resurrect.
Are you going to form another movement through the church: No I am not going to form any movement from the church. When I was in jail, I have realised that I have big enemies. I want to start a new life. I was preacing the god of the mountain as that was my knowledge. In prison I have read the Bible thrice from Genesis to Revelation. I wanted to know what is the secret behind this book. I earlier on believed and preached that this was a foreign book. I had drafted some theories before I started preaching the god of Mt Kenya so that I would convince someone to stop looking at the Bible.
Do you believe the Bible now: When you do something without knowing, God can reveal it to you. After reading the book I have had great revelations. That God is the creator of the universe, He is the God of the invisible and the visible and had a son before the creation of the universe. I started as a small boy in a mud house, without even a bike and I am now living in a big house. I have seen that there is a God who can do great things. There is nothing I want from the movement.
They have killed for you: They have not done anything for me, that is not the message I told them to preach. I told you to come together for the sake of your god and for the sake of your people.
You must be afraid now and fearful for your life: I do not fear for my life. I know I have big enemies. If they killed my wife, they can kill me. But they can not kill my soul forever. We are not of this world, we are visitors here, you leave with nothing. Over 75% of Kenyans belong to this group. You cannnot reach and teach them all. They have acquired some skills from their neighbours. It is like a marrying a wife and leave her with nothing. She will get another. Or you get children and leave them with nothing. They will get other fathers and go looking for food at the neighbours.
I want to live a new life. They say life begins at 40. Why do I want to live the life I lived 20 years ago. You understand that 5M people are a lot to control and reach. I cannot be able to control them. I do not talk to you, where do you get your instructions from? If they believe I was at one time one of them, then let us take a serious decision and follow salvation.
What happens now, politics?: I want to study the Bible more and more. I read the Bible alone while in prison, I need to discuss the Bible with others. I used to teach that Jesus stands for Jews Empire Scripture Union Society. I used to teach that that son is not a son of a holy God and was the son of an ordinary man like any other. The message today I want all to know is that I have recognized that Jesus Christ is the son of God and he came to save and to heal.
That whatever I did during that time, I did some wrongs I understand, I am not angel and is normal for a human being. When you are young you do childish things and many would highlight my foolishness. Let people know about the truth and the truth will set all free. I have been in prison. I have been in a physical prison, but there is a mental prison. Better a prisoner of a physical prison than that of the mind. People have talked about me and 2012. I am not interested in anything. I want to preach the Bible and to do according to the will of God.
I am sorry for what has been there. I want that madness to stop. Whatever we have been experiencing is only a tip of iceberg. If I had, for example, said that each of the 5M buy a panga, where will Kenya be? I want to save this Kenya from a calamity, from a genocide. This thing can bring trouble in the future. Some leaders are blind, they cannot see. These young men do not belong to Maina, they are Kenyans.
What will be your role since you will always be a Kenyan: I will not stop talking. But my message will be different. Preaching a god of a community is different from preaching the God of the universe. This is the time for great harvest. From now any time I can be baptised. I want to be baptised.
Are you angry at those who killed your wife and your family members: Having discovered the love of God, he has given me peace, perseverance and love for my enemies. I want to start afresh. This is to start a new life in Jesus. I used to teach that the Bible stands for British Book of Law and Entertainment, meant for the poor so that they can entertain the rich. I do not want to preach that madness anymore.
Is this still the same message you are communicating to Mathira and Kirinyaga: I am telling them to stop the violence and live together as friends. Life is like a smoke, you can kill me today and you die tomorrow even if I dont kill you. I can preach peace even without being a member of any organisation. Battle is not good. When you hate somebody you lose. I agree I have lost some best friends. I want to forget that madness. If I am a leader of 5M people, I see trouble ahead. I am tellling them to go to the nearest church. I want this work to be taken over by the preachers, they are the ones who have abandoned their work.
We have leaders who do not deserve to be leaders. They are supposed to be hawkers. People especially the media and the police you are the cause of all this. You report the wrong position. For example the police shoot a pickpocket then say 'we have shot one and one Mungiki has run away'. These are not Mungiki, these are thugs. I do not want these groups, I start one, you start one then we fight each other. Eventually there will be no Kenya.
Is it possible to save Kenya at this point: You cannot control all these people who have hungry stomachs. The problem of Mungiki will still be there even if the name will not be there because of empty stomachs. Most of these do not have proper education, they cannot go to any office to seek employment. I appeal to the government not to kill these young men but to talk to them. I am sending them back to their parents. Their fathers should take responsibility. They should not fear them as they will be going to church together now. My work was to organise these crooks and hooligans.... I have sinned against my God and we are seeking forgiveness.
Have you renounced Mungiki: I have done it. In my original intention I was not serious. It started like a joke while I was in Jomo Kenyatta High School in Nakuru town. Like a joke I said I am going to pray like my forefathers did by praying to the god of mount Kenya as other students went to the Christian Union and Catholic Action Fellowships. Other people started getting interested and they followed. I am not a trouble maker I am a peace maker.
Are you still driving this bus: Some people believe that once you leave Mungiki you will not live again. That is not true. I do not want any movement in front of me, I am serious.
What do you tell all those young men who believe in you as their leader: I want that movement to die and die forever and i dont want it to resurrect.
Are you going to form another movement through the church: No I am not going to form any movement from the church. When I was in jail, I have realised that I have big enemies. I want to start a new life. I was preacing the god of the mountain as that was my knowledge. In prison I have read the Bible thrice from Genesis to Revelation. I wanted to know what is the secret behind this book. I earlier on believed and preached that this was a foreign book. I had drafted some theories before I started preaching the god of Mt Kenya so that I would convince someone to stop looking at the Bible.
Do you believe the Bible now: When you do something without knowing, God can reveal it to you. After reading the book I have had great revelations. That God is the creator of the universe, He is the God of the invisible and the visible and had a son before the creation of the universe. I started as a small boy in a mud house, without even a bike and I am now living in a big house. I have seen that there is a God who can do great things. There is nothing I want from the movement.
They have killed for you: They have not done anything for me, that is not the message I told them to preach. I told you to come together for the sake of your god and for the sake of your people.
You must be afraid now and fearful for your life: I do not fear for my life. I know I have big enemies. If they killed my wife, they can kill me. But they can not kill my soul forever. We are not of this world, we are visitors here, you leave with nothing. Over 75% of Kenyans belong to this group. You cannnot reach and teach them all. They have acquired some skills from their neighbours. It is like a marrying a wife and leave her with nothing. She will get another. Or you get children and leave them with nothing. They will get other fathers and go looking for food at the neighbours.
I want to live a new life. They say life begins at 40. Why do I want to live the life I lived 20 years ago. You understand that 5M people are a lot to control and reach. I cannot be able to control them. I do not talk to you, where do you get your instructions from? If they believe I was at one time one of them, then let us take a serious decision and follow salvation.
What happens now, politics?: I want to study the Bible more and more. I read the Bible alone while in prison, I need to discuss the Bible with others. I used to teach that Jesus stands for Jews Empire Scripture Union Society. I used to teach that that son is not a son of a holy God and was the son of an ordinary man like any other. The message today I want all to know is that I have recognized that Jesus Christ is the son of God and he came to save and to heal.
That whatever I did during that time, I did some wrongs I understand, I am not angel and is normal for a human being. When you are young you do childish things and many would highlight my foolishness. Let people know about the truth and the truth will set all free. I have been in prison. I have been in a physical prison, but there is a mental prison. Better a prisoner of a physical prison than that of the mind. People have talked about me and 2012. I am not interested in anything. I want to preach the Bible and to do according to the will of God.
I am sorry for what has been there. I want that madness to stop. Whatever we have been experiencing is only a tip of iceberg. If I had, for example, said that each of the 5M buy a panga, where will Kenya be? I want to save this Kenya from a calamity, from a genocide. This thing can bring trouble in the future. Some leaders are blind, they cannot see. These young men do not belong to Maina, they are Kenyans.
What will be your role since you will always be a Kenyan: I will not stop talking. But my message will be different. Preaching a god of a community is different from preaching the God of the universe. This is the time for great harvest. From now any time I can be baptised. I want to be baptised.
Are you angry at those who killed your wife and your family members: Having discovered the love of God, he has given me peace, perseverance and love for my enemies. I want to start afresh. This is to start a new life in Jesus. I used to teach that the Bible stands for British Book of Law and Entertainment, meant for the poor so that they can entertain the rich. I do not want to preach that madness anymore.
Is this still the same message you are communicating to Mathira and Kirinyaga: I am telling them to stop the violence and live together as friends. Life is like a smoke, you can kill me today and you die tomorrow even if I dont kill you. I can preach peace even without being a member of any organisation. Battle is not good. When you hate somebody you lose. I agree I have lost some best friends. I want to forget that madness. If I am a leader of 5M people, I see trouble ahead. I am tellling them to go to the nearest church. I want this work to be taken over by the preachers, they are the ones who have abandoned their work.
We have leaders who do not deserve to be leaders. They are supposed to be hawkers. People especially the media and the police you are the cause of all this. You report the wrong position. For example the police shoot a pickpocket then say 'we have shot one and one Mungiki has run away'. These are not Mungiki, these are thugs. I do not want these groups, I start one, you start one then we fight each other. Eventually there will be no Kenya.
Is it possible to save Kenya at this point: You cannot control all these people who have hungry stomachs. The problem of Mungiki will still be there even if the name will not be there because of empty stomachs. Most of these do not have proper education, they cannot go to any office to seek employment. I appeal to the government not to kill these young men but to talk to them. I am sending them back to their parents. Their fathers should take responsibility. They should not fear them as they will be going to church together now. My work was to organise these crooks and hooligans.... I have sinned against my God and we are seeking forgiveness.
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Maina Njenga,
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Hon Dr Bishop Margaret Wanjiru on K24 Jeff Koinange Bench
Bishop Margaret Wanjiru of Jesus is Alive Ministries (JIAM) and MP for Starehe has been in the news headlines of late. This is mainly due to her linkage with the spiritual leader of the dreaded outlawed sect in Kenya - The Mungiki - Archbishop Maina Njenga. Maina Njenga was recently released from prison after charges against him and several Mungiki adherents were dropped. They were charged with planning and executing the Mungiki massacre in Mathira earlier on in the year. Maina Njenga has since gotten born again and in his own words stopped worshipping the god of a community to worshipping the God of the universe.
Bishop Margaret Wanjiru won the battle for Maina Njenga's religious affiliation as there were several church leaders who were dying to have Maina Njenga among their flock. She is rumoured to have presidential ambitions in 2012 and having Maina Njenga as a member of her church gives her a headway for the 2012 presidential race, so it is assumed. Bishop Margaret Wanjiru is also the Assistant Minister for Housing and an OD MP for Starehe.
Maina Njenga was released from King'ong'o Maximum prison on Friday 23rd October 2009.
Bishop Margaret Wanjiru was interviewed by Jeff Koinange on his Capital Talk show in K24 TV station on Monday, 26th October 2009.
On how she learnt of Maina Njenga's release: I was in the office performing duties of an Assistant Minister for housing when I got a call that Maina Njenga has been released from King'ong'o prison and was headed for our Church in Nairobi. When I went there to meet him, he told me he wanted to be sure he has been saved. After talking to him in the office, we realised there were so many young people in the church and we had to talk to them.
Is Maina genuine: Yes I have no doubt. I have been in his shoes where people doubt you. I came from satanism and witchcraft and many doubted me. We must accept what God is doing and receive our young men and women back to the church. God cannot be mocked and Kenyans cannot mock God. I have dealt with militia before - the Taliban - and they are now changed after denouncing their ways. On the skepticism especially in Central province, Wanjiru says that the parents in Central province should realise that they have failed and should take this opportunity to help the young men and women reform.
Why Jiam: Many religions and church leaders had visited Njenga in prison. Wanjiru herself visited Maina Njenga in Prison. She attributes Maina choice of Jiam church to a prophecy God gave them in new years eve celebrations that the church will be used to transform many young people. She also attributes this to her listening and understanding attitude.
Are they going to use JIAM to get into politics: I am full of wisdom and discernment. Do I look like somebody that can be used? Many thought I would not make it in politics and still be a preacher. I am a better preacher than I was before I joined politics. These kids are genuine. The way they scrambled for Bibles shows it all. 200 bibles were bought on Sunday. Maina Njenga bought 100 Bibles and my son 100 Bibles each contributing Kshs 35,000. Government and church should use this opening to change the youth e.g. in the matatu industry where they control. They should give the youth meaningful employement and give them economic empowerment.
Her background: Brought by the mother. Father was a drunkard. Mother a domestic worker in Westlands. Lived a very poor life. Two teenage pregancies led her to a housegirls' job. She later hawked earings then got a job as a toilet cleaner in industrial area. Went to college for a sales course while still in Industrial area. She was later promoted to washing cars. She later cleaned offices and stores. Then went into sales then into management. Wanjiru says she introduced and promoted Marlboro cigarettes. She has been a single parent all along. She got a higher diploma and was promoted to a marketing executive. She disagreed with her marketing manager, resigned and got involved in an NGO management. She then went into business where also got entangled in satanism and witchcraft. When very wealthy she got saved, but had to start from zero. She became a street preacher in Aga Khan walk. After this JIAM was started. Jesus appeared to him in a room and wrote on the wall 'Jesus is Alive Ministries' and drew a cross with his finger. Taken to heaven by Jesus for a vision for nine hours and taught the Bible by Jesus, specifically the books of Nehemiah and Luke.
Does it mean that Maina has renounced Mungiki: The man is born again! We have been sending him messages while in prison. I have talked to him that he should not expect to lead the church straightaway. That he needs to take time and grow in the men ministry of the church with other men and God will show him what next.
Bishop Margaret Wanjiru won the battle for Maina Njenga's religious affiliation as there were several church leaders who were dying to have Maina Njenga among their flock. She is rumoured to have presidential ambitions in 2012 and having Maina Njenga as a member of her church gives her a headway for the 2012 presidential race, so it is assumed. Bishop Margaret Wanjiru is also the Assistant Minister for Housing and an OD MP for Starehe.
Maina Njenga was released from King'ong'o Maximum prison on Friday 23rd October 2009.
Bishop Margaret Wanjiru was interviewed by Jeff Koinange on his Capital Talk show in K24 TV station on Monday, 26th October 2009.
On how she learnt of Maina Njenga's release: I was in the office performing duties of an Assistant Minister for housing when I got a call that Maina Njenga has been released from King'ong'o prison and was headed for our Church in Nairobi. When I went there to meet him, he told me he wanted to be sure he has been saved. After talking to him in the office, we realised there were so many young people in the church and we had to talk to them.
Is Maina genuine: Yes I have no doubt. I have been in his shoes where people doubt you. I came from satanism and witchcraft and many doubted me. We must accept what God is doing and receive our young men and women back to the church. God cannot be mocked and Kenyans cannot mock God. I have dealt with militia before - the Taliban - and they are now changed after denouncing their ways. On the skepticism especially in Central province, Wanjiru says that the parents in Central province should realise that they have failed and should take this opportunity to help the young men and women reform.
Why Jiam: Many religions and church leaders had visited Njenga in prison. Wanjiru herself visited Maina Njenga in Prison. She attributes Maina choice of Jiam church to a prophecy God gave them in new years eve celebrations that the church will be used to transform many young people. She also attributes this to her listening and understanding attitude.
Are they going to use JIAM to get into politics: I am full of wisdom and discernment. Do I look like somebody that can be used? Many thought I would not make it in politics and still be a preacher. I am a better preacher than I was before I joined politics. These kids are genuine. The way they scrambled for Bibles shows it all. 200 bibles were bought on Sunday. Maina Njenga bought 100 Bibles and my son 100 Bibles each contributing Kshs 35,000. Government and church should use this opening to change the youth e.g. in the matatu industry where they control. They should give the youth meaningful employement and give them economic empowerment.
Her background: Brought by the mother. Father was a drunkard. Mother a domestic worker in Westlands. Lived a very poor life. Two teenage pregancies led her to a housegirls' job. She later hawked earings then got a job as a toilet cleaner in industrial area. Went to college for a sales course while still in Industrial area. She was later promoted to washing cars. She later cleaned offices and stores. Then went into sales then into management. Wanjiru says she introduced and promoted Marlboro cigarettes. She has been a single parent all along. She got a higher diploma and was promoted to a marketing executive. She disagreed with her marketing manager, resigned and got involved in an NGO management. She then went into business where also got entangled in satanism and witchcraft. When very wealthy she got saved, but had to start from zero. She became a street preacher in Aga Khan walk. After this JIAM was started. Jesus appeared to him in a room and wrote on the wall 'Jesus is Alive Ministries' and drew a cross with his finger. Taken to heaven by Jesus for a vision for nine hours and taught the Bible by Jesus, specifically the books of Nehemiah and Luke.
Does it mean that Maina has renounced Mungiki: The man is born again! We have been sending him messages while in prison. I have talked to him that he should not expect to lead the church straightaway. That he needs to take time and grow in the men ministry of the church with other men and God will show him what next.
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Kenya Politicians,
Maina Njenga,
Mungiki
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Mungiki Sect in 2009: A Metamophosis, Genuine Change or Camouflage
Maina Njenga is the topmost leader of the Mungiki sect. He is known as the Archbishop of the sect and is its chairman. Mungiki is outlawed by the Kenya Government as a criminal gang and has a trail of criminal acts over the years in Kenya.
Maina Njenga was released from prison on Friday 23rd October 2009 after charges against him were dropped by the government. On his release, Maina Njenga announced that he has "seen the light" and was now saved. Bishop Margaret Wanjiru - also the MP for Starehe - was at hand to oversee the conversion of the Mungiki archbishop to Christianity from traditional religion worship.
Maina Njenga started the Mungiki sect together with his brother and father in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He is said to have had spiritual apparitions and visions while attending a secondary school in Nakuru which inspired him to start the sect.
Maina Njenga has consequently called on Mungiki members to get saved and stop their wayward ways. In his first church service at the Jesus is Alive Ministries Church where Bishop Margaret Wanjiru preaches, hundreds of Mungiki members thronged the service and got saved.
Many questions arise out of this conversion. Political analysts also see several angles to this conversion.
Scenario One: Genuine Change
Genuine change implies that Maina Njenga has truly seen the light and has totally abandoned his Mungiki ways. With this comes the horrendous task of destroying what he started. In one of his many media interviews since he was released he says that one who knows how to build something, also knows how to destroy it. That he is determined to convert his followers into Chritianity. Maina Njenga enjoys a cultic following and appears confident and sure that all his followers will follow suit without a rebellion brewing within.
What if not all followers convert into Christianity? What if a rebellion builds with a splinter group wishing to maintain the mungiki identity? What will he do? Will he revert to some form of coercion to ensure his call is followed to the letter? Is there a chance that the remnants without central spiritual authority will be more vicious and terrible than before?
Already there are reports that on Monday night the vigilantes in Mathira has killed two young men who were accused of being involved in the Mathira massacre. There are still deep wounds among the community who have suffered under the hands of the Mungiki who feel that not only was justice not done, it did not seem to be done. They are on a revenge mission and a church inclined impotent Mungiki will be a walk over for anyone who needs vengeance since the Kenyan justice system has failed to offer retribution. This will be the acid test for the genuine change as Mungiki is known for the philosophy of an eye for both eye sand a tooth for all teeth. If the vigilantes continue with their revenge mission, the ugly head of Mungiki is bound to re-appear.
Many of his followers earn a living from exploitation of legitimate business owners like in the matatu industry or levying of taxes on homes and businesses and illegal means like illegal connection of electricity and water. They have no fallback income streams and conversion to Christianity calls that they abandon such sinful means of making money. Are they willing to sacrifice and subject themselves to poverty for the sake of a clean break from their evil past?
Maina Njenga has been videotaped gardening his 20 acre farmland in Isinya where a palatial home was built by his followers after the police invaded his other palatial home in Kitengela which is built on a large parcel of land. He also has huge tracts of land in Laikipia among other unknown property.
In other words, Maina Njenga is now in the class of the rich 'neo-colonialists' at the expense of the poor masses something akin to what the Kenyatta, Moi and Kibaki families are accused of. He is extremely wealthy and although he has reverted to farming his huge tracts of land as a source of income, questions abound about his initial source of wealth that bought all he has now vis a vis the peasantry following that he enjoys.
Now that he is saved, is he ready to take the Zachaeus of the Bible test, the tax man who when he met Jesus re-distributed his ill-gotten wealth and repayed those he exploited several times what he took?
In one of his testimonies in JIAM church, he said that even if somebody used to give him his whole salary, that someone should stop forthwith. This alludes to the level of tithing his followers were accustomed to. Is there compensation for such?
Scenario Two: Camouflage
Facing persecutions from the government and police as well as too much negative coverage by the media, Maina Njenga may be sending a coded message to his members to change the face of Mungiki, probably go underground, within the church as they await further instructions or as they prepare for the next phase of Mungiki. It could be a way of hiding the ugly face of the sect while leaving several tentacles out there roaming and doing the bidding of the original Mungiki mandate.
The church is bound to accept converts with open arms and offer some kind of protection from the condemning public. The church is a safe haven for those who are in need and desperate. It could offer a best chance to execute a change of strategy and sanitize the sect. It is a perfect place to get a temporal refuge for the sect as it re-energizes and oils its creaky joints awaiting a re-emergence at an opportune moment.
In such a scenario, Mungiki is expected to continue with its revenue generating enterprises in a clandestine manner while blaming any criminal tendencies which would normally have been the burden of the sect to opportunitic criminals which the government should deal with.
Only that the government will do nothing to stop such named opportunitic gangs manning the matatu stages and insituting governance in the slums because as alluded in many quarters, the sect has representatives and sympathisers everywhere in the social strata, from parliament to the police force to administrative officials, private sector players, the transport industry and now the mainstream religion.
It is also expected that the sect will infiltrate the church leadership and get a voice in the spiritual and religious opinions in the country. It will not be so hard to establish its line of faith and legitimacy from the government as a religious institution. Maina Njenga understands the power of religion as the opium of the poor and he will not hesitate to unleash his potential in this arena.
Nothing offers a better chance to cleanse the past, whip forgiveness and earn unconditional acceptance than the church platform.
Just like other senior government officials who are sunday christians, the mungiki has a cue to follow. These officials manufacture corruption scandals and scam sthat fleece billions of Kenya shillings meant for the hungry, landless and dying masses over the week and grace the church front benches on Sunday.
Scenario Three: Mungiki Metamophosis
Facing critical public scrutiny, police harassment and government blackmail the then general secretary of the Mungiki, Ndura Waruinge, got saved at the Apostle James Ngang'a church in Ngara. Later he was baptised and appointed a pastor. Ndura Waruinge now heads his own church which he started within months of his conversion.
Mungiki members undergo a rigorous oathing ceremony and baptismal rights to the extent that Mungiki deserters are usually beheaded. Nothing happened to Ndura Waruinge. Could it be that the church is supposed to be the next plane of operation for the Mungiki? Could it be that the "seeing the light conversion" is part of the training the Mungiki undergo such that they are trained that at an appropriate time they will infiltrate the church and take their operations to the next level from that platform?
Maina Njenga's call for salvation could be a coded message to the sect members to mutate across the cells, change tact, execute a certain mandate or prepare for a "divine" date with destiny that they have all been waiting and preparing for.
The jubilation and standing ovation that the followers gave their leader as he made his way to the pulpit was not one of bewilderment or confusion like a people whose leader has lost vision, lost his mind or become reckless and careless. Looking keenly at the faces of the sect followers, they donned faces of excitement and an almost hysterical reaction to the call of salvation.
The Mungiki having a tradition and deep cultural-religious culture has had beliefs that are very parallel to the modern christian faith. Their oathing ceremonies includes water baptism that is very symbolic to a deep spiritual conviction of their mode of worship. It has been reported that members in some areas members were not supposed to enter churches.
Having such a background you would expect a call to join modern Christian churches to be met with puzzled looks, confusion and a lot of questioning as to the motive. This has not been so. It is like the following has been waiting for this moment and are overjoyed that its fulfilment has come in their days. If that is the case, Kenya should be very afraid.
For now, we wait and see. For such an underground, amorphous and mysterious movement it is not so easy to tell what is in the offing.
Maina Njenga was released from prison on Friday 23rd October 2009 after charges against him were dropped by the government. On his release, Maina Njenga announced that he has "seen the light" and was now saved. Bishop Margaret Wanjiru - also the MP for Starehe - was at hand to oversee the conversion of the Mungiki archbishop to Christianity from traditional religion worship.
Maina Njenga started the Mungiki sect together with his brother and father in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He is said to have had spiritual apparitions and visions while attending a secondary school in Nakuru which inspired him to start the sect.
Maina Njenga has consequently called on Mungiki members to get saved and stop their wayward ways. In his first church service at the Jesus is Alive Ministries Church where Bishop Margaret Wanjiru preaches, hundreds of Mungiki members thronged the service and got saved.
Many questions arise out of this conversion. Political analysts also see several angles to this conversion.
Scenario One: Genuine Change
Genuine change implies that Maina Njenga has truly seen the light and has totally abandoned his Mungiki ways. With this comes the horrendous task of destroying what he started. In one of his many media interviews since he was released he says that one who knows how to build something, also knows how to destroy it. That he is determined to convert his followers into Chritianity. Maina Njenga enjoys a cultic following and appears confident and sure that all his followers will follow suit without a rebellion brewing within.
What if not all followers convert into Christianity? What if a rebellion builds with a splinter group wishing to maintain the mungiki identity? What will he do? Will he revert to some form of coercion to ensure his call is followed to the letter? Is there a chance that the remnants without central spiritual authority will be more vicious and terrible than before?
Already there are reports that on Monday night the vigilantes in Mathira has killed two young men who were accused of being involved in the Mathira massacre. There are still deep wounds among the community who have suffered under the hands of the Mungiki who feel that not only was justice not done, it did not seem to be done. They are on a revenge mission and a church inclined impotent Mungiki will be a walk over for anyone who needs vengeance since the Kenyan justice system has failed to offer retribution. This will be the acid test for the genuine change as Mungiki is known for the philosophy of an eye for both eye sand a tooth for all teeth. If the vigilantes continue with their revenge mission, the ugly head of Mungiki is bound to re-appear.
Many of his followers earn a living from exploitation of legitimate business owners like in the matatu industry or levying of taxes on homes and businesses and illegal means like illegal connection of electricity and water. They have no fallback income streams and conversion to Christianity calls that they abandon such sinful means of making money. Are they willing to sacrifice and subject themselves to poverty for the sake of a clean break from their evil past?
Maina Njenga has been videotaped gardening his 20 acre farmland in Isinya where a palatial home was built by his followers after the police invaded his other palatial home in Kitengela which is built on a large parcel of land. He also has huge tracts of land in Laikipia among other unknown property.
In other words, Maina Njenga is now in the class of the rich 'neo-colonialists' at the expense of the poor masses something akin to what the Kenyatta, Moi and Kibaki families are accused of. He is extremely wealthy and although he has reverted to farming his huge tracts of land as a source of income, questions abound about his initial source of wealth that bought all he has now vis a vis the peasantry following that he enjoys.
Now that he is saved, is he ready to take the Zachaeus of the Bible test, the tax man who when he met Jesus re-distributed his ill-gotten wealth and repayed those he exploited several times what he took?
In one of his testimonies in JIAM church, he said that even if somebody used to give him his whole salary, that someone should stop forthwith. This alludes to the level of tithing his followers were accustomed to. Is there compensation for such?
Scenario Two: Camouflage
Facing persecutions from the government and police as well as too much negative coverage by the media, Maina Njenga may be sending a coded message to his members to change the face of Mungiki, probably go underground, within the church as they await further instructions or as they prepare for the next phase of Mungiki. It could be a way of hiding the ugly face of the sect while leaving several tentacles out there roaming and doing the bidding of the original Mungiki mandate.
The church is bound to accept converts with open arms and offer some kind of protection from the condemning public. The church is a safe haven for those who are in need and desperate. It could offer a best chance to execute a change of strategy and sanitize the sect. It is a perfect place to get a temporal refuge for the sect as it re-energizes and oils its creaky joints awaiting a re-emergence at an opportune moment.
In such a scenario, Mungiki is expected to continue with its revenue generating enterprises in a clandestine manner while blaming any criminal tendencies which would normally have been the burden of the sect to opportunitic criminals which the government should deal with.
Only that the government will do nothing to stop such named opportunitic gangs manning the matatu stages and insituting governance in the slums because as alluded in many quarters, the sect has representatives and sympathisers everywhere in the social strata, from parliament to the police force to administrative officials, private sector players, the transport industry and now the mainstream religion.
It is also expected that the sect will infiltrate the church leadership and get a voice in the spiritual and religious opinions in the country. It will not be so hard to establish its line of faith and legitimacy from the government as a religious institution. Maina Njenga understands the power of religion as the opium of the poor and he will not hesitate to unleash his potential in this arena.
Nothing offers a better chance to cleanse the past, whip forgiveness and earn unconditional acceptance than the church platform.
Just like other senior government officials who are sunday christians, the mungiki has a cue to follow. These officials manufacture corruption scandals and scam sthat fleece billions of Kenya shillings meant for the hungry, landless and dying masses over the week and grace the church front benches on Sunday.
Scenario Three: Mungiki Metamophosis
Facing critical public scrutiny, police harassment and government blackmail the then general secretary of the Mungiki, Ndura Waruinge, got saved at the Apostle James Ngang'a church in Ngara. Later he was baptised and appointed a pastor. Ndura Waruinge now heads his own church which he started within months of his conversion.
Mungiki members undergo a rigorous oathing ceremony and baptismal rights to the extent that Mungiki deserters are usually beheaded. Nothing happened to Ndura Waruinge. Could it be that the church is supposed to be the next plane of operation for the Mungiki? Could it be that the "seeing the light conversion" is part of the training the Mungiki undergo such that they are trained that at an appropriate time they will infiltrate the church and take their operations to the next level from that platform?
Maina Njenga's call for salvation could be a coded message to the sect members to mutate across the cells, change tact, execute a certain mandate or prepare for a "divine" date with destiny that they have all been waiting and preparing for.
The jubilation and standing ovation that the followers gave their leader as he made his way to the pulpit was not one of bewilderment or confusion like a people whose leader has lost vision, lost his mind or become reckless and careless. Looking keenly at the faces of the sect followers, they donned faces of excitement and an almost hysterical reaction to the call of salvation.
The Mungiki having a tradition and deep cultural-religious culture has had beliefs that are very parallel to the modern christian faith. Their oathing ceremonies includes water baptism that is very symbolic to a deep spiritual conviction of their mode of worship. It has been reported that members in some areas members were not supposed to enter churches.
Having such a background you would expect a call to join modern Christian churches to be met with puzzled looks, confusion and a lot of questioning as to the motive. This has not been so. It is like the following has been waiting for this moment and are overjoyed that its fulfilment has come in their days. If that is the case, Kenya should be very afraid.
For now, we wait and see. For such an underground, amorphous and mysterious movement it is not so easy to tell what is in the offing.
Posted in
Maina Njenga,
Mungiki
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