Tough laws needed to curb local militia groups

NAIROBI: The local administration in Kiambu has sounded a warning that the government needs to take seriously. County Commissioner, Esther Maina says the Mungiki sect is regrouping, and has been recruiting the youth, some as old as 14 years.

Coming at a time that the country is fighting insecurity, this group will complicate the security situation, especially in Central Province and other areas where they used to operate before. The Mungiki sect was proscribed by the government in 2002.

The group's activities have been noted to be more pronounced at Githunguri, Gatundu, Limuru and Kikuyu among other areas where they have been terrorising residents.

Mungiki was formed as a religious sect in the 1980's by Mr Maina Njenga, ostensibly to fight poverty among the youth. They ventured into politics and evolved into some form of alternative government that gave forced services at a fee.

The group was noted for extensive extortionist activities in Nairobi involving public transport vehicles and businesses operating in some parts of the city. Too many gangland type killings have been attributed to the sect.

The late John Michuki, who was Internal Security minister in the early 2000's was instrumental in setting up a task force that targeted militia groups like the chinkororo of Kisii and Mungiki.

During his tenure at the security docket, Mungiki visibly disintegrated following his famous shoot to kill order that empowered the police to wipe out violent gangs.

Proposed changes to the Security laws (amendment bill) 2014 should incorporate measures of dealing with local groups that operate like terrorists.

Stringent rules must be enacted and immediately made operational to deal with the menace that unruly groups pose to the country. Possibility that some elected leaders may have a hand in the reemergence of this group should also be investigated.

The atrocities that followed the botched 2007 Presidential elections should always serve as a reminder of what these groups are capable of doing if not dealt with firmly.