Kikuyu Council of Elders Chairman Wachira Kiano has issued a stern warning regarding Maina Njenga’s recent political activities, dismissing him as a “joker” and emphasizing that the people of Mt. Kenya remain firmly behind Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
This statement follows Njenga’s announcement on January 3, 2025, about the formation of a new group he referred to as “jeshi” (army), claiming it would provide security to MPs touring the region.
Deputy President Hon Rigathi Gachagua during Karen meeting on August 26. Photo: Rigathi Gachagua Source: Facebook
Njenga, a former leader of the now-outlawed Mungiki group, has over the years reinvented himself as a preacher and politician, recently aligning with President Ruto’s government.
However, Kiano and other elders from the Kikuyu community were quick to dismiss any notion of Njenga becoming a prominent political figure in the region.
“Our de facto leader is Rigathi Gachagua, and we are solidly behind him. We will not be swayed by Maina Njenga. He will not take us anywhere,” Kiano declared firmly.
Njenga’s plan to form an army to protect MPs as they visit grassroots areas has raised alarm among local leaders.
He argued that such protection was necessary to help MPs oversee the implementation of President Ruto’s development projects and ensure that National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) resources are properly safeguarded.
However, many are wary of the potential for such a group to revive the violent tactics associated with Mungiki in the past, especially as Njenga’s declaration comes at a time when the region is already grappling with political tensions.
Kiano and other elders are particularly concerned about the direction Njenga might take with his new group, fearing that it could lead to unrest in the region.
“We are not opposed to supporting the government, but we will not allow anyone to turn our youth into criminals,” Kiano stated, warning that any attempts to engage in illegal activities would be swiftly dealt with.
