The Executive Office of the President has strongly refuted claims that former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga is involved in organizing President William Ruto’s upcoming tour of the Mt Kenya region.
In a scathing press release issued on Monday, State House condemned a report published by The Standard, calling it “false, malicious, and reckless.”
According to the publication, Njenga’s followers held a meeting in Ruai to strategize on mobilizing support for the President’s visit and counter any dissenting voices.
President William Ruto speaking dyuring a past event. Photo: William Ruto Source: Facebook
The report suggested that Njenga, once the leader of the outlawed sect, could summon thousands of supporters at short notice to create an impression of unwavering backing for Ruto in the region.
However, State House has dismissed these allegations, accusing The Standard of engaging in sensationalism and propaganda.
The press release asserts that the President’s tour has been planned solely by government officials, including regional governors, national government representatives, and security agencies.
“The outrageous, outlandish claim that a proscribed group is involved in planning the President’s tour of the Mt Kenya region is not only manifestly false, but it is also dangerously irresponsible, reckless, and inciteful,” the statement read.
Former Mungiki Leader Maina Njenga speaks during a past media presser. Photo: NTV Kenya Source: Facebook
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s allies have also denounced the claims, insisting that Ruto’s visit is a government-led initiative aimed at addressing key economic concerns in the region.
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri labeled the allegations a distraction meant to tarnish the visit’s significance.
“For the first time, the region will gauge Ruto’s administration based on facts that will be presented to the people, dispelling the propaganda that had been spread among our people,” Kiunjuri said.
Njenga, through his aide Simon Macharia, also denied any involvement, asserting that he is focused on his personal ventures and not political mobilization.
President Ruto is set to commence his tour in Laikipia on Tuesday, a county considered a political stronghold for Njenga.
As political tensions rise, all eyes will be on how the visit unfolds and whether it reshapes the political landscape in the region.
