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Maina Njenga resurgence: Power, controversy and ghosts from the past

Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga address the press at one of his residence in Rongai on Monday, January 01,2024 on the aborted meeting that allegedly was to install the new Mt.Kenya region kingpin after police condoned all routes leading to Nyeri town and KabiruIni grounds.Njenga too called for the release of over 200 youths were arrested in police operation. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

Soft-spoken yet brash, calculated yet ebullient, Maina Njenga is a paradox of influence.

His speeches, stripped of flair or flamboyance, are delivered with a laid back demeanour that still manages to rally followers into a wave of fervent allegiance.

To some, he is a divisive figure, feared and loathed. To others, he is a beloved leader, respected and adored - a man whose loyal supporters would seemingly go to any lengths for him.