Mungiki: Kenya's growing crisis



By NATION TeamPosted Sunday, June 14 2009 at 22:14

The story of the virtual take over of rural communities in central Kenya by the Mungiki is one of injustice, resistance and the vilest atrocities.

In a journey of a week, the Nation followed the route of expansion of the sect and heard stories of unmentionable horror, of atrocities committed by the criminal sect and those who have risen against it.

In Maragua, Mukurweini, Othaya, Mathira and other places, Mungiki has grown in the last 10 years in leaps and bounds, taking over communities and subjecting them to the worst economic and the most inhuman violation.

And villagers, suffering in shamed silence, exploited through illegal taxes and extortion, humiliated by the rape of their womenfolk and mindless violence, are boiling with rage.

Mobs of vigilantes are responding to the Mungiki with as much violence and barbarity as those of the sect itself.

Caught between the two is the government, speaking in careful platitudes but stopping short of decisive action.

Local politicians also appear not quite clear where the danger lies: Is it in the Mungiki, extorting protection fees on villagers, murdering and viciously brutalising those who do not bend to its will, or is it in the band of vigilantes and their public executions?

In Kirinyaga, public displays of heartless murder and Mungiki hunts have been elevated to a communal sport, similar to the public beheadings of the Middle Ages.

For years, the Mungiki have held sway in the area, but it now seems they have met their match in vicious vigilante groups, whose enthusiasm with the machete and the garrote are every bit as vicious as those of the criminal sect.

The vigilantes of Kirinyaga are likening their uprising against the Mungiki to the Mau Mau liberation of the 1950s.

In the beginning, a suspect would be arrested and taken for trial at the vigilante Kangaroo court — popularly known as The Hague, in Kamuiru, a village between Baricho and Kagumo trading centres.

“We are still executing them, but we are using a different method now,” a vigilante leader told the Nation, but declined to elaborate.

The ‘different methods’ he referred to are an even more chilling version of their “justice” system. Unlike in the past when the whole village would come to witness the execution of a suspect, nowadays this is done in secret, and in the dead of the night.

In the days gone by, according to the vigilante leader, a suspect would be given the chance to call at least three witnesses in his defence.

And once he was found guilty, he would be allowed three choices on how to die: be hacked to pieces, be burnt alive, or be given a rope to hang himself.

Handed a rope

In the new system, the suspect is allowed no witnesses and no choice in how he is to be killed. He is simply handed a rope immediately he is captured and forced to hang himself.

So far, a total of 26 people have been executed, and police records indicate that six of these have been killed in the last two weeks, always in the dead of the night.

“They used to rape our women in our presence. They collected money from us. We must clear them,” a resident of Kagumo Village, where the Mungiki reigned supreme, said.

The sect has cells in Central Kenya, Nairobi and areas of Rift Valley Province, where it has established an illegal tax system and imposed it on the residents.

In Kirinyaga Central District, for example, the sect demands a monthly protection fee per household and, as if that is not enough, it has imposed a levy on every dowry payment in the area.

A farmer who sells five litres of milk per day must surrender money for one litre to the gang, and a poultry farmer must surrender four eggs out of every 10 he takes to the market.

“We give them what they want. We don’t argue with them,” a resident of Murang’a told the Nation.

In Nyeri, every matatu must pay between Sh20 and Sh50 for every trip made between sunset and sunrise.

However, there appears to be a symbiotic relationship between the Mungiki and some matatu operators and traders in most of the towns in central Kenya and Nairobi.

The business people use them to fight crime. For example, in Murang’a, Maragua and Nyeri towns, some traders use the Mungiki to recover stolen items and to track down thieves.

During a visit to Nyeri East and Kirinyaga West districts last week, members of the Parliamentary Committee on Security were horrified at the string of tit-for-tat atrocities.

“How foolish are we to continue fighting ourselves. There must be something wrong with you people. Can’t you sit and resolve this problem?” Molo MP Joseph Kiuna wondered while addressing a gathering at the Kiaruhiu Trading Centre.

Mr Kiuna was in the company of Mr Francis Kapondi (Mt Elgon), Mr Ngata Kariuki (Kirinyaga Central), Mr Peter Kiilu (Makueni), Mr Raphael Letimalo (Samburu East), MrCyprian Omolo (Oriri) and area MP Ephraim Maina.

Central PC Japhter Rugut says the youths who are resisting the Mungiki are expressing the pent-up anger of residents, but dismisses the notion that they are members of vigilante grouping.

“The group sometimes comprises some 1,500 or 2,000 armed youths,” he says. “These cannot be vigilantes.”

He gives the example of a woman who was murdered in Kianwe village at the height of the mayhem earlier this year.

‘The police tried to save her, but the youths, who numbered about 1,500, overpowered them. They challenged the police to shoot at them, and warned them of dire consequences if their guns ran out of bullets.”

The police let them have their way, and the vigilantes raided the headmistress’ home and killed her in cold blood.

Mr Rugut asks Parliament to enact a law that criminalises membership to both the sect and vigilante groupings.

But, as he is making his appeal to MPs, the vigilantes are vowing to keep up their hunt until the last Mungiki member is hanged. “We know where they are hiding. We shall arrest them wherever they are and execute them,” the vigilante leader says.

“We recently arrested one of them in Nanyuki, brought him here and put him to death. That should serve as a message to all of them.”

Snatch wives

Stories abound of how the Mungiki would snatch wives from their husbands, then turn on the same husbands and callously demand a fee for the “services tendered”.

“They would call us and order us to prepare supper for them, and when they came, they would eat to their fill then rape our wives in our presence,” a resident said.

And due to the trauma and stigma, no man would ever speak of such a humiliation.

Mr Rugut said it became hard for police to deal with such cases because no complainants were forthcoming.

“All that the police would do was to arrest the suspects and charge them with minor offences like touting. They would be fined Sh500 and released the following day,” he says.

In the meantime, the vigilante operation goes on.

And because ODM politicians are quick to support Prof Alston's biased censure of the police, the vigilantes, another thuggish group has taken over

Mungiki crisis has been in the works for many many years. Created and funded by politicians fighting MOI/KANU, the grouyp has grown beyond reach and is now focussed internally.

Prof. Alston did his work (Human Rights). The life of a suspect is still a life and one is innocent until proven guilty. If the vigilantes (semi mungikis factions) feel otherwise, there is a court and due process of law.

If the VIGILANTES dont trust the law or police, then thats why EVERYONE (except the status quo and tribalist supporters) has been singing POLICE and JUDICIAL reforms to guard against impunity.

Now the Mungiki (heroes to some during PEV of 2007 elections) have now turned inwards. In their place await the other factions (masked as sub-regional vigilantes) to replace Mungiki.



IT WAS A HUGE MISTAKE FOR SOME TO SUPPORT THE MAFIA THAT STOPPED REFORMS BETWEEN 2004-2005.

NOW ORDINARY PEOPLE ARE PAYING FOR IT WITH THEIR LIVES AND DIGNITY.

quote:

Originally posted by sajini:
And because ODM politicians are quick to support Prof Alston's biased censure of the police, the vigilantes, another thuggish group has taken over

MM
First, my views with regard to Mungiki has all a long been consistent. I have been against mungiki since its inception during Moi's era when I became aware of the gang's primitive views with regard to FGM, and their long history of extortion and bloodthirst. Last year, during the heat of the tribal tensions, I mentioned that it would be a sad if the situation deteriorate to the extent the Kikuyu's begin perceiving Mungiki as their savior.

With all due respect, I do support human rights, but only when viewed in its holistic sense. The police and the civilians have fallen victim to Mungiki menace. Don't they have rights too? Being an apologist for Mungiki while ignoring its victims, to me goes against the spirit of human rights.

I find it hypocritical that the forces who are insulting Kibaki for opting for diplomacy with regard to a tiny rocky islet are the same people who are calling for liniency whne it comes to the murderous Mungiki.

My mom used to tell me that a thief begins by stealing a needle at his/her home.

Today, the mungiki/vigilantes are terrorizing the Kikuyus. Soon they will extend their tentacles to non-Kikuyus and no one will be spared. By then, it will be too late to stop them. At least that is what we have learnt from the Italian Mafia.

The shoot to kill order should be enforced to the letter with regard to Mungiki. If they cannot follow the rule of common civility, then they have no business living in the community of civilized men and women. There is saying that "ngoma iturikagio ni guthinjirwo" (you embolden spirit/ghosts by sacrificing to them). Appeasing Mungiki will only enbolden them.

A police officer once confided to me that they can easily eradicate crime if only we give them support. Unfortunately, when they enforce rules, they are punished for it, or their bosses are bribed to release the criminals.

I hate to say it, but the government is right on this one. No matter how much you hate Gicheru, Wako and Ali, Prof Alsoton's behavior was unprofessional and beyond his mandate.

God save Kenyan from the protectors of criminals.

Shoot to kill to be enforeced? Are you kidding me!

For years, we have cried for COMPREHENSIVE REFORMS but some of you have been quick to suport the mafia status quo.

Now you are saying "shoot to kill" should be enforeced coz the police are incapable and judiciary is copromised.

Mulikuwa wapi when we shouted hoarse that we need reforms? Now see the folly of not supporting reforms. We have made the lives of our people to be touhg and allowed IMPUINTY from the TOp to the Bottom.

As for the Shoot to Kill, tell us, how will you enforce is when "all around you seem to be mungiki".

Just ask Saitoti and Michuki. They have done it for 3-4 years now and now results to show.

http://www.eastandard.net/Insi...id=1144015677&cid=4&

Saitoti hints at talks with Mungiki

Published on 01/06/2009

The Government on Sunday inched closer to talks with the outlawed Mungiki sect.

Internal Security Minister George Saitoti said there are other ways of exploring and solving the problems other than by using the gun.

In the clearest indication the Government would negotiate with the sect, the minister said use of force and killing sect members was not bearing fruit.

"The youth are the greatest asset the country has and we cannot afford to lose them; we need them," said Prof Saitoti.

The State has for long rejected overtures by Mungiki to negotiate saying it cannot dialogue with criminals.

"We are ready to work with MPs, the clergy, and all the other groups to explore ways to end the menace. This is a big problem that we cannot solve without engaging each other," he said. Saitoti, who is leaving for Geneva over the Prof Philip Alston report on extra-judicial killings, has however, put criminals on notice.

"We won’t accept anybody who is arming to kill. We shall deal with the person with the full force of law."

Accompanied by MPs Chachu Ganya (North Horr), Simon Mbugua (Kamukunji), Charles Onyancha (Bonchari), Kiema Kilonzo (Mutito), George Thuo (Juja) and Elias Mbau (Maragwa), Saitoti said the Government wants an end to the menace that has brought untold sufferings to innocent Kenyans.

Mr Mbau said Mungiki had a presence in all segments of society in the region.

"Mungiki members have a presence everywhere. They are found in our primary and secondary schools and even in our universities. We should not, therefore, demonise and protest against them, but instead establish why they are predominant in Central province alone?" Mbau said.

The leaders spoke even as the Catholic Church raised concern over the spate of violence. John Cardinal Njue said the killings are worrying and asked the Government to act.

By Fatuma Fugicha, Wairimu Kamande and Maseme Machuka

quote:

Originally posted by sajini:
MM
First, my views with regard to Mungiki has all a long been consistent. I have been against mungiki since its inception during Moi's era when I became aware of the gang's primitive views with regard to FGM, and their long history of extortion and bloodthirst. Last year, during the heat of the tribal tensions, I mentioned that it would be a sad if the situation deteriorate to the extent the Kikuyu's begin perceiving Mungiki as their savior.

With all due respect, I do support human rights, but only when viewed in its holistic sense. The police and the civilians have fallen victim to Mungiki menace. Don't they have rights too? Being an apologist for Mungiki while ignoring its victims, to me goes against the spirit of human rights.

I find it hypocritical that the forces who are insulting Kibaki for opting for diplomacy with regard to a tiny rocky islet are the same people who are calling for liniency whne it comes to the murderous Mungiki.

My mom used to tell me that a thief begins by stealing a needle at his/her home.

Today, the mungiki/vigilantes are terrorizing the Kikuyus. Soon they will extend their tentacles to non-Kikuyus and no one will be spared. By then, it will be too late to stop them. At least that is what we have learnt from the Italian Mafia.

The shoot to kill order should be enforced to the letter with regard to Mungiki. If they cannot follow the rule of common civility, then they have no business living in the community of civilized men and women. There is saying that "ngoma iturikagio ni guthinjirwo" (you embolden spirit/ghosts by sacrificing to them). Appeasing Mungiki will only enbolden them.

A police officer once confided to me that they can easily eradicate crime if only we give them support. Unfortunately, when they enforce rules, they are punished for it, or their bosses are bribed to release the criminals.

I hate to say it, but the government is right on this one. No matter how much you hate Gicheru, Wako and Ali, Prof Alsoton's behavior was unprofessional and beyond his mandate.

God save Kenyan from the protectors of criminals.

MM

quote:

For years, we have cried for COMPREHENSIVE REFORMS but some of you have been quick to suport the mafia status quo.

Comprehensive reforms was not about Mungiki, and by the way, every Kenyan wanted reforms. They only differed on some few key elements where oranges and bananas espoused diferent philosophies. Neither of the two camps was pro-wananchi in this divisive elements. I have not heard on anyone who was anti comprehensive reforms, unless your views on status quo only refred to the leadership.

quote:

Now you are saying "shoot to kill" should be enforeced coz the police are incapable and judiciary is copromised.

The judiciary is of course compromised, and the police are very capable. Disempowered yes, but not incapable. Together with politicians who have politicised the police force, Alston and his cohorts are are also responsible for preventing the cops do their job.

quote:

Mulikuwa wapi when we shouted hoarse that we need reforms? Now see the folly of not supporting reforms. We have made the lives of our people to be touhg and allowed IMPUINTY from the TOp to the Bottom.

Again, everyone wanted reforms. The holier-than-thou attitude with regard to flawed constitutional drafts obscures the fact that both camps were compromised by politician's selfish agenda.

quote:

As for the Shoot to Kill, tell us, how will you enforce is when "all around you seem to be mungiki".

Very easy. Politicians are greedy lot. They will sleep with the devil to sustain their status. Remove the devil and there will not be anyone to sleep with.

Those who love Uhuru and wish him greater fortunes must tell him the truth

http://www.eastandard.net/colu...=1144017357&cid=485&

Updated 35 min(s) ago

Barrack Muluka

Should Kenyans judge Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta’s suitability for the presidency on the basis of last week’s Budget Speech? I have read odd press write-ups to the effect that with the Budget Speech – which has been dubbed ‘great’ – Uhuru has now placed behind him the saga of Sh9.6 billion that caused him anxiety and embarrassment last month. They say he is now ready to embark on the journey to State House. How so strange!

Those who think they love Uhuru and wish him greater and better fortunes than he so far enjoys need to tell him the truth. They need to tell him what the real challenges to his presidential bid are. Whether he presents a ‘great’ Budget to Parliament or not does not seem to my mind to be the critical issue. At any rate, it is an open secret that the Budget Speech does not belong to the minister. And Uhuru himself said as much last month, when the greyhounds were after him over the 9.6 billion affair. He accused some unknown people at the Treasury, saying they were out to finish him politically.

Together with some of his followers and admirers, like Mr Jimmy Kibaki, they said that it was these strange people at the Treasury who had given Uhuru wrong things to read before Parliament. Having thus distanced himself from the supplementary budget because it offended the nation, Uhuru cannot now turn around and begin basking in the glory of what appears to be a good Budget. What if the Mars Group comes up with new findings akin to what was contained in the supplementary budget? Would the minister still feel the same sense of ownership? Put simply, the Budget does not belong to the minister. That is why it is both wrong for anybody to sacrifice him personally and for him to hog praises that, he should know, do not belong to him. A good Budget only shows that the system and institutions are working while a faulty one shows that they are not.

But more to the point, a Uhuru presidential campaign would do well to take into account things that Kenyans will be asking about the candidate. The Budget Speech will only be a footnote, albeit an important one. There are things that those people who pretend to love Uhuru are not telling him. They are not telling him that he is the symbol of everything that has gone wrong with this country. They are not telling him that he is the child of an oppressive dynastic legacy and that this is what the Kenyan voter will be thinking about in 2012 when, we hear, the name Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta will be on the ballot paper again. If they loved him, they would tell him to read the history of the independence struggle, the colonial and post-colonial land policies and dynamics of wealth creating and distribution.

Of particular import, they would get him to understand why it is that the Kenyatta family owns land that is said to be bigger, when consolidated, than the whole of Nyanza Province. He would want to know how it came to pass that the Kenyatta family and former home guard families ended up owning thousands of acres in Central Province while the majority of the people in the province have next to nothing. He would get to understand the home guards hijacked both the independence struggle and the fruits it promised to bring. They would show him what Tabitha Kanogo, David Throup, Frank Furedi, Wunyabari Maloba, Robert Maxon, John Lonsdale, Maina wa Kinyatti and a whole whale of scholars have said about the economic and social roots of the Mau Mau.

He would understand the squatter problem and the land hunger in Central and Rift Valley provinces. He would see that he was the heir of an oppressive legacy and he would go easy on his push to rule Kenya. For, he would see how Kenyatta and the home guards abused the million-acre resettlement scheme and pauperised a whole community. He would also see the Mungiki problem in new light and understand that the Mungiki cannot be crushed like some people keep on saying. For the Mungiki is the counterpoise of the children of privilege. They have their own story to tell, and which nobody wants to listen to. At any rate, Uhuru would want to try to help correct the injustice of land distribution, ownership and use in Kenya, before trying to become Mr President.

He may not have the proclivity. But Uhuru has the ability, especially if he wants to become the President. If he is a just man and he addresses colonial and post-colonial injustices that repose in his lap, Kenyans may want to vote for him. He may not need to insinuate himself upon other people’s budgets. And yes, even I would support him. But he must return what was known in Kenya’s history in the period 1920 – 1970 as ‘the stolen lands.’

I say it agin that I am against political dynasties, be they Kenyatta, Kibakis, Mois or Odingas. While raila has worked for his position in Kenya's political discourse, Uhuru was selected on account of his family connections. He lacks merit and should forget his presidential ambitions to save himself from embarrassment.

I do not think he stands a chance. The project failed in 2002 and it will not suceed in 2012.