A Nakuru court on Tuesday, June 20 ordered for the impounded vehicles in the case involving former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga, to be released back to their owners.

However, the judge stated that the vehicles are not to be sold or given to a third party as the case continues, except with the approval of the court.

Maina Njenga together with 11 other accused persons were arraigned at the Nakuru Law Courts on Tuesday.

The suspects are facing seven charges including being members of an organised criminal group, participating in the activities of the unlawful Mungiki sect, being in possession of firearms and ammunition, and government materials.

Through his lawyer, Maina also requested the court to summon Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for commenting on his case in public.

Court rejects Maina’s plea

The judge, however, declined to grant the orders sought, ruling that the application lacked merit.

“No material has been placed before me to demonstrate the asserted contempt by the deputy president,” the court stated.

Gachagua’s utterances

Gachagua is on record alleging that Maina is being used by former President Uhuru and the entire opposition to revive the outlawed group.

“I have had your fear and concern about the revival of that criminal gang. Let me assure you and the general people of this country, that the government will not allow the revival of that criminal gang. That person who is reviving this gang is setting our children to be killed.

Speaking in Thika last month, Gachagua warned against any attempts to revive the group.

“Any attempt to recreate the activity will be met with swift decisive action within the law. We will not allow that gang to rape our women, extort money from business people and to sell fear to farmers. That sect leader is the one who received the money collected by young people.

“As we speak today, he has nine homes in this country. In Lavington, Kitengela, Nyahururu,” Gachagua said.

Maina Njenga arrested

When Maina Njenga was arrested on May 25, 2023, a magnitude of followers gathered at the Director of Criminal Investigations headquarters in Kiambu to demand his release.

The politician’s supporters engaged police in running battles as they demanded his release. Njenga was freed on the same day after dramatic scenes at the DCI headquarters.

The chaos elicited a massive reaction from Kenya Kwanza leaders. Kikuyu Member of Parliament termed Njenga as “a special purpose vehicle by merchants of violence and saboteurs, plotting to use violence and fear to destabilize the country’s peace.”

“The people of Mount Kenya have no time for criminal elements,” he said adding “Their financiers must know it will end in tears for them.”

Maina Njenga has been held closely by the current opposition. Severally, the opposition has allowed Maina to speak at events including the late Mukami Kimathi’s burial.