Mungiki has residents screeching over night census

By Job Weru

Fears of security lapses during the national census next month have been raised in Central Province.

Residents in some Mungiki hotspots like Murang’a and Mathira fear criminals might take advantage of the census to attack homesteads.

In April, Mungiki adherents butchered 29 people in one night at Gathaithi and Kiangumara villages in Mathira in revenge attacks.

Since then, there has been cold war between Mungiki followers and vigilantes ostensibly established to deal with the sect’s criminal menace.

Residents who sought anonymity for fear of being victimised said they are scared for their lives since the war between Mungiki followers and vigilantes is far from over.

Residents’ plea

They, therefore, want the census conducted during the day.

"The Government should heed our call to avoid a repetition of the April scenario," said a resident of Gathaithi village.

Locals say they are still traumatised by the April night massacre and need Government assurance the same would not recur.

Other areas affected are Kirinyaga West and Central districts.

Othaya, Mukurwe-ini, Kangema and the larger Murang’a have also been marked as Mungiki hotspots.

Nyeri District Population Statistics Officer Elias Nyaga said the Government would enhance security to ensure census is not disrupted.

"This is a very important exercise, but it should not compromise security of the locals," he said.

Recruitment is another hot issue. The Sunday Standard learnt that recruitment of census officials would be carried out at the district and divisional levels.

A source at the Ministry of Planning said the exercise would overlook newly created district boundaries.