The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Maina Njenga has criticized the government for allegedly unfairly arresting Kikuyu youths who were supposedly participating in a rally organized by certain Mt. Kenya leaders in Kabiru-Ini, Nyeri County.
Njenga asserted that there was no scheduled meeting, as no public notice had been issued, and the detained youths were engaged in their regular activities in preparation for the New Year.
Blaming Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Njenga accused him of engaging in a political witch hunt that was adversely affecting innocent youths. He expressed concern that a Kikuyu leader was utilizing state machinery to label those who supported him in the 2022 general election as members of Mungiki. Njenga emphasized that this not only exposed them to police brutality but also endangered the entire community.
Njenga questioned when unemployed and disheartened individuals became associated with Mungiki, stating that the government should stop criminalizing innocent Kikuyu youths and focus on addressing the underlying issue of the rising cost of living.
He called for the immediate release of the arrested youths and urged the state to adhere to the 24-hour rule if they are not released on bail or bond by the police pending their court arraignment.
The crackdown on supporters of the former Mungiki leader resulted in around 200 individuals being arrested in Nyeri town and its surroundings. The operation was initiated following the ban by Nyeri County Police Commissioner Pius Murugu on a planned rally scheduled to take place at the Kabiru-ini grounds, attended by some Mt. Kenya leaders, citing its unlawfulness.
Security checks were set up along various highways to prevent Njenga’s supporters from attending the proposed meeting at the grounds.
