Lenku responds to Ex-Mungiki leader claims

NAIROBI, KENYA: The Government has denied police involvement in Saturday’s shooting in Nyahururu that left five people dead and three others, including former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga, injured.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku instead blamed infighting in Mungiki for the gun attack as authorities named those who were killed.

However, Njenga alleged that those who tried to kill him were police officers who had been trailing them as they headed for a meeting.

“I will speak more when I am out of hospital to explain to those who care to listen,” said Njenga.

He said there were about seven armed attackers using separate vehicles. Speaking from his hospital bed in the city where he had been transferred to from Nyahururu, Njenga said he still fears for his life.

“Those are (Mungiki) factions who are fighting over control of property. We do not know the attackers but officers on the ground are now handling the case,” said ole Lenku after attending a church service in Ngong town.

He said the gangs are also eyeing Government land.

Police have since identified the people who died in the attack as Dickson Mwangi, Grace Wairimu Melisa (Njeng’as wife), John Karai,  Grace Wairimu and a man only identified as Salat.

Those injured were Njenga, Evans Wachira and George Mungai.

Nyandarua County Commander Hamisi Mabea said two of those who sustained injuries were transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital.

“We have set up a team to investigate this unfortunate incident and I can assure you that they will be brought to book. We do not know how many guns they were carrying,” he said. He said there was no exchange of fire as occupants of a different vehicle sprayed the two vehicles with bullets.

  “We are treating it as a criminal activity and not police officers as claimed. We will soon arrest them and have them face the full force of the law,” he said.

Enhanced security

In Nairobi where Njenga had been moved, friends and family said they feared those who tried to kill him will follow him there. Even doctors there said they feared they may be attacked and called for enhanced security.

“You never know and that is why we are also worried about our and his safety,” said a doctor at the hospital who asked not to be named.

Njenga had his left hand middle finger and right shoulder badly injured.

Meanwhile, security was beefed up in Kitengela, Kajiado County, where Njenga’s church is situated following Saturday’s shooting incident.

Police officers patrolled the area with security checks placed in various locations within the town. Passengers were requested to show their identity cards or passports as others screened and searched vehicles. 

“This is a security matter and we are up to the task. We cannot take any chance following what transpired on Saturday in Nyahururu,’’ said Kajiado County Commander Tito Kilonzi.

“It is our duty to ensure law and order is maintained throughout the church services.”