In a dramatic turn of events, Maina Njenga, the former leader of the outlawed Mungiki sect, was reportedly beaten up by an angry crowd on January 24, 2025, in Nyeri, Kenya. The incident follows his controversial disruption of a prayer meeting led by Pastor Dorcas Rigathi in Nyeri the previous weekend.
It was reported that the crowd was comprised of individuals who claimed they were not fully compensated for participating in the disruption of the prayer event by Njenga. Reports suggest the mob attack occurred at a burial where Njenga and his group allegedly attempted to cause further disturbance. The incident quickly went viral on social media platforms, with users expressing mixed reactions. While some described the attack as a form of justice, others condemned the violence, highlighting the divisive public sentiment toward Njenga’s recent actions.
Njenga’s involvement in disrupting the prayer meeting has drawn widespread criticism. He, along with a group of youths, reportedly stormed the event, creating chaos and forcing Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, wife of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, to leave the venue through a back exit for safety. The disruption was perceived as an attempt to intimidate attendees, with accusations of gender-based violence surfacing against Njenga and his supporters.
The backlash against Njenga has been significant. Political figures and community leaders have called for peace and condemned violence in political disputes. Njenga’s political activities have been under scrutiny, especially as he has openly supported President William Ruto while being accused of destabilizing efforts against his political opponents.
This recent beating has added another layer to the narrative surrounding Maina Njenga’s controversial role in Kenyan politics. Known for his history with the Mungiki sect and shifting political alliances, Njenga’s actions at the prayer meeting and the retaliation by the crowd at the burial underscore the volatility of political engagement in the region.