The Azimio One Kenya Coalition has demanded the immediate release of former leader of the proscribed Mungiki sect Maina Njenga alleging that he was ‘abducted’ by the defunct Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Special Support Unit (SSU).
According to his lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, Njenga, who is a close associate of the coalition’s leaders Raila Odinga and Martha Karua, is said to have been abducted at 11:10 pm in Ndederu area, Kiambu county.
Through a statement issued today afternoon, Azimio claimed the former Mungiki leader was abducted in a “gang-style” by people suspected to be rogue police officers.
“The information we have suggests that the abductors did not identify themselves, nor did they state that he was under arrest. All indications point to this being an operation carried out by rogue police.” Azimio leadership said through a statement.
“The abductors were driving Subarus, armed, and hooded. It is highly likely that they were part of the Special Support Unit known for terrorizing Kenyans during the anti-tax protests.” They added.
This is the fourth time Njenga has been controversially arrested a day to the mention of his case at Makadara law court.
Azimio said Njenga’s family was being kept in the dark regarding his whereabouts. The opposition coalition termed the purported abduction a deliberate attempt by the government to silence opposition figures and distract Kenyans from pressing issues such as the rising cost of fuel and food.
“Kenyans need to understand that Maina is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow for a pre-trial, and this arrest is clearly an attempt to interfere with that scheduled pre-trial.” Azimio added.
“We vehemently condemn the abduction and continued persecution of Mr. Maina and his family. We demand his immediate and unconditional release or his production in court,” added the coalition, noting that they would hold the Inspector General of Police accountable for Njenga’s life should anything happen to him.
According to Njiru, Njenga’s car was blocked by a vehicle with a Sudanese number plate, after which the unknown people dragged, put him in the vehicle and whisked him away alongside his aide Felix Lakishe.
Njiru added that the alleged abductors did not introduce themselves when they fled away with Njenga and Lakishe.
“We are scheduled to appear before Makadara court for a mention on the weapons case tomorrow. We do not know why they are abducting him. They are looking for a reason to arrest him when he does not appear in court.” Lawyer Njiru said.
Njenga had earlier been arrested on July 19, 2023.
The prosecution said that during their arrest, Njenga, his aide and brother were found in possession of 14 machetes, 24 Maasai swords, 46 rungus, and three jembe sticks.
He appeared before Makadara Law courts on July 25 and was released on a Sh100,000 bail.
In May this year, Njenga made headlines when police raided his three homes in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Laikipia counties.
This followed claims they recovered weapons from the Nakuru home.
The recovery was made on May 12, 2023 when the police raided Njenga’s home in Ngomongo village in Bahati, Nakuru.
