Police probe claims of Mungiki extortion in Taita Taveta mines

Mwatate OCPD Francis Mwangi, Taita-Taveta County Commissioner KUla Hache and senior police officers inspecting Kambanga mines in Taita Taveta County on Friday,012th May,2017.[Renson Mnyamwezi,Standard]

The County Security Committee has summoned the head of security at Bridges Mining, Philip Syengo, to shed light on the presence of Mungiki in mining fields.

County Commissioner Kula Hache said recent claims by the security head in the media that Mungiki had taken over mines in the region was a security threat that scared away potential mining investors.

Speaking to the press after inspecting the Bridges and Simvest Mining Companies among other mining fields in Mwatate sub-county, the commissioner said the Government was not taking the remarks lightly.

"We have summoned the head of security at the Bridges Exploration Mining Company this week to shed light on the claims of presence of Mungiki in the area. If we find out that the claims are false, we will charge him," she warned.

Ms Hache, who is also the chairperson of the security committee, took to task security officers and senior managers at the two mining companies over what they knew about the presence of Mungiki in the area.

"We have talked to Mr Syengo and ordered him to appear before the security committee this week. We want to authenticate his claims," she said.

The Standard could not, however, reach him for comment as his phone went unanswered.

A senior security officer at the Bridges, Joseph Mwangi, denied claims that Mungiki terror gangs had invaded the area and taken over local mines.

"I heard from the Press that Mungiki has invaded the mines but I have not seen them. The allegations are false and out to cause panic among the miners," he told the county commissioner and her security team.

Simvest Mining Company Manager Robert Njenga also denied claims of Mungiki presence in the area.

The official was asked to explain his relationship with former Mungiki leaders Ndura Waruinge and Maina Njenga.

Mr Njenga confirmed that Mr Waruinge was his brother.