A peaceful interdenominational prayer session in Nyeri on Saturday was marred by violence and disruption, with accusations flying that the Mungiki sect, led by controversial figure Maina Njenga, was behind the chaos.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders across the country, who have pointed fingers at the government and its involvement in the unrest.
The prayers, organized as a unifying event for different Christian denominations in the region, were abruptly interrupted by violence, which led to panic among the attendees.
Eyewitnesses report that a group of armed individuals stormed the event, forcing it to halt prematurely.
Mlife Foundation leader Mwangi Mukami has accused the Kenya Kwanza government of complicity in the unrest, claiming that it is using the Mungiki sect to destabilize the political scene in central Kenya.
“It is clear that the government is backing the Mungiki sect to undermine the growing political influence of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in the Mt. Kenya region,” Mukami said.
“These actions are a deliberate attempt to sow division and fear among the people of Nyeri and the greater Central Kenya area.”
Political leaders, including members of the opposition and allies of Gachagua, have also raised alarms over the alleged involvement of the Mungiki sect in what they deem as a coordinated campaign to derail the region’s political dynamics.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who has been an outspoken critic of the current administration, condemned the violence, calling it an attack on the peace and unity of the nation.
“The use of violence to manipulate political outcomes is unacceptable,” Odinga said.
“I urge the government to take immediate action to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
In a similar vein, Senator Wambugu Ngunjiri, a vocal opponent of the Kenya Kwanza administration, accused the government of turning a blind eye to the sect’s activities in the region.
“This is not the first time we are witnessing such disruptions,” Ngunjiri said.
“It’s evident that elements within the government are using the Mungiki to intimidate those who threaten their hold on power. This must stop.”
Meanwhile, government officials have denied the allegations, with some dismissing the claims as political rhetoric aimed at tarnishing the administration’s reputation.
“These accusations are baseless,” said a senior government official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
“The government is committed to maintaining peace and security across the country and will not tolerate any form of violence.”
Despite the government’s response, the Mungiki sect’s reputation for violence and intimidation remains a dark cloud over the region.
The sect has a long history of using force to influence political outcomes, and its alleged involvement in the Nyeri disturbances has sparked concerns about the state of law and order in the country.
As investigations continue, political analysts are warning that the incident could exacerbate tensions in the Mt. Kenya region, where Gachagua’s influence has been growing in recent years.
Many are watching closely to see how the situation unfolds, with hopes that the government will take decisive action to restore peace and prevent further violence.
The disruption of the interdenominational prayers, which were meant to be a symbol of unity, has instead become a flashpoint in the ongoing political struggles within the country, leaving many questioning the true forces at play behind the scenes.
As of now, authorities have yet to announce any arrests in connection with the incident, but the public remains on edge, demanding justice and accountability forthose responsible.
