Maina Njenga's supporters follow proceedings on screens as trial enters day three

Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga outside Nakuru law courts on November 21, 2023. [Kipsang Joseph,Standard]

The trial of former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga and eleven others entered day three today at the Nakuru Law Courts.

Hundreds of his supporters were glued to the proceedings beamed on screens outside the courtroom.

This follows orders issued by trial magistrate Kipkurui Kibelion that the hearing be held in public.

The judiciary obeyed the order and provided a screen outside the courtroom to allow the public to follow the proceedings.

Lawyers representing the Njenga and his co-accused had complained to the court that police had barred the public from the proceedings.

Today, hundreds of Njenga’s supporters thronged the court and watched the telecast live proceedings of the case.

In the past two days, there have been anxious moments at the courthouse as police tried to control a huge crowd that gathered there to follow the case.

Njenga and his co-accused are facing trial for  allegedly being members of the outlawed Mungiki sect, a criminal gang previously involved in organized crime including murders, extortion, and violent robbery.

They allegedly committed seven counts between May 11 and 18, this year in Bahati Nakuru County.

The trial started on Monday after the court dismissed Njenga's application to have the trial halted alleging the case was similar to the one he was facing before another court in Nairobi, the capital city.

Today the police presence at the courthouse was minimal with Njenga's supporters taking over the court precincts as the trial went on.