Uproar as Nakuru governor graces Mungiki burial

Governor Kinuthia Mbugua

KENYA: Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua has defended his presence at the burial of a suspected Mungiki leader.

Hawkers in the town claimed that the deceased, Joseph Chege alias Jose, was part of a criminal gang that has been harassing them and Mr Mbugua’s presence had sent the wrong signal.

Mr Chege was mysteriously abducted and murdered last week.

Led by Nakuru Street Traders and Hawkers Association (NSTHA) Chairman Simon ole Nasieku, they said the deceased was the leader of a ruthless gang which destroyed their kiosks during an eviction exercise last year.

“We are dismayed that the governor opted to associate himself with people suspected to belong to a banned sect and it is now clear they have been enjoying his (governor’s) protection,” claimed Mr Nasieku.

But addressing the mourners, the governor said the deceased was a close political ally who played an active role in his campaign.

“I have known him since 1997 and my relationship with him did not start when I became governor. He has been instrumental in supporting county government programmes and implementing youth projects,” Mbugua said.

The hawkers’ leader said the emergence of criminal networks in the town ahead of the 2017 elections is worrying and should be nipped in the bud.

“We are fearful of the regrouping of the criminal outfits, especially as we head to the elections and their association with some local politicians,” he added.

Nasieku called on the CS for Interior Joseph Nkaissery to investigate the governor over his association with leaders of proscribed group.

“We are appealing to the national government and also the Senate Committee on Justice to investigate the governor’s role in facilitating Mungiki leaders in Nakuru. The late Jose was a kingpin and his team was used to mete out violence on hawkers,” said Nasieku.

Senior security officers in the county said they had warned the governor against attending the burial and were shocked when officers on the ground reported his presence.

“It sent a wrong signal. The two were known in the intelligence circles for leading the ruthless Mungiki sect in Nakuru,” said the senior officer.

Mbugua said the killing of Chege and his friend Shem Wachira was unacceptable and called for the arrest and prosecution of the culprits.

The governor said he would not rest until those behind the murder of the two businessmen face the full force of law.

“We want an explanation on how the two were killed and those in charge of security should know they have a case to answer. If the security forces do not solve the murder, the blood of the deceased will haunt them,” Mbugua said.

The governor said the abduction of the two, whose bodies were later found at the city mortuary, could not have gone unnoticed at the numerous police road blocks along the highway.

Ironically, Nakuru East MP David Gikaria who had running battles with Governor Mbugua and Chege when hawkers were being relocated was also in attendance.