Banned Sect Leader's Kin Arrested in Raid

The Nation (Nairobi)/January 17, 2003

Nairobi -- Police in Molo yesterday raided the rural home of the outlawed Mungiki sect national coordinator Ndura Waruinge and arrested his younger brother and four others.

The security personnel, led by Molo police boss Herbert Khaemba and his CID counterpart Nyale Manga, raided Mr Waruinge's home at Mona and arrested Mr Isaac Ngugi Waruinge and a farm worker.

The senior Waruinge and Mungiki chairman Maina Njenga have been asked to surrender to the police.

Molo regional Mungiki coordinator Simon Karanja Wanyoike was also arrested at Karirikania village. Some of the sect's paraphernalia and clothes were confiscated in the 6am raid.

Scores of suspects have been arraigned in court charged with either murder or being members of unlawful society.

The government has also issued an amnesty to the sect and other militant groupings who surrender to the Police. In Laikipia 26 Mungiki sect members have heeded to the call.

During the Molo operation, the police also ransacked over 100 houses in Muchorwe trading centers where they arrested two more suspected members.

The Nakuru Police Boss Mr Joel Lang'at said the crackdown would continue.