The Nyeri administrator has ordered security agents to deal ruthlessly with anyone found trying to recruit adherents into the dreaded terror groups.
Nyeri County Commissioner Pius Murugu has warned unlawful groups such as Mungiki taking root in Nyeri County and those planning to organise clandestine meetings to recruit members into similar sects that they would be met by the full force of the law.
Addressing celebrations to mark this year’s Jamhuri fete at the Dedan Kimathi Kamukunji stadium, the administrator ordered security agents to deal ruthlessly with anyone found trying to recruit adherents into the dreaded group.
“We will not allow any prohibited grouping of individuals hell-bent on bringing suffering and torture to our people to take root here. We know what groups like Mungiki did to our women and sons in the early 2000s, and we cannot allow this to happen again. Those who are going around hoodwinking the public to recruit our youth into such sects should, therefore, know we are waiting for them. Let them not dare us,” warned the commissioner.
Last week, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ordered security chiefs to crack down on the resurgence of the outlawed Mungiki sect in Central Kenya and parts of Nairobi.
Speaking in Mathira sub-county on Wednesday during the burial of former MP Peter Weru’s mother, Gachagua stated that it is unacceptable to have government security officers on one hand, while on the other hand, a section of youth was claiming to be in a position to provide security at a fee.
“This is a country of rule of law. We will not allow criminal gangs to cling back and destabilise this region. I have issued the County Commanders with clear instructions to protect people’s businesses and ensure that no business is destabilised by those criminals,” he said.
Gachagua also lashed at leaders who could be behind the revival of the dreaded militia and urged them to keep off the illegal group.
“You cannot be associated with a criminal gang with a record of killings, female circumcision, and defilement of young children. That cannot be allowed,” he warned.
Murugu has also lauded the public for supporting the government in its war against the influx of illicit drinks and drugs into the country, saying such efforts have borne fruit.
The CC said since security agents began a crackdown on the trade in June this year, tremendous progress has been achieved, with the majority of those who used to earn a living from its proceeds turning to alternative sources of income.
He similarly said the war will continue until the trade, which has been termed a Central Kenya curse, is eradicated for good and former addicts are rehabilitated and reintegrated back into society where they can earn a decent livelihood.
“Since we began the war on alcoholism and substance abuse in this area back in June, many people who had been hooked into the practice have managed to sober up and walk out of the vice. We thank our religious leaders who have been supporting us in this war through psychosocial counselling, which has played a great role in assisting former addicts to discard drugs and alcohol and find a better way to live,” he stated.
“Our resolve is to ensure this practice is weeded out of this country and those who have been profiteering from its proceedings find an alternative source of income that does not impact negatively on the lives of others,” he added.
By Samuel Maina and Wangari Mwangi
