Police in Nairobi yesterday arrested 24 suspected members of the outlawed Mungiki sect during a dawn raid in Kayole, Nairobi reviving fears of the sect’s possible resurgence.
The officers also seized training manuals and books of accounts in the 2am operation in a hideout where the suspects are believed to have gathered for a meeting.
Kayole OCPD Ali Nuno said they also found a schedule showing the colour of clothes men and women should wear on different occasions and days. He said the police laid an ambush following a tip-off from members of public.
“Following a tip-off, we were able to arrest 24 suspected Mungiki members at 2:30am and seized their books of accounts which consist of contributions from members across the country and training material. We will sustain this operation,” he said, adding those arrested will soon be arraigned in court.
The arrested could be a pointer of the sect’s resurgence with concealed operations as nine of the suspects were middle-aged women dressed in identical long dresses and head scarves, while the rest were men clad in black suits.
Investigations by People Daily established that some 300 members from various parts of the country were expected to attend the night meeting.
The group, which was severely weakened by protracted crackdown in 2006, is said to have sprung back to life with clandestine extortionist methods targeting matatus, commercial businesses and construction projects.
The gang is also said to have reactivated its operations in Kirinyaga and other towns in Central Kenya towns. Separately, 80 youths believed to be associated with the Gaza gang were arrested in another night swoop also in Kayole.
In what area residents fear to be a quiet recruitment drive, some unemployed youths are suspected to have joined the outlawed group.
The post Police arrest 24 Mungiki suspects in Kayole swoop appeared first on Mediamax Network Limited.