Has Mungiki changed tact?

The dreaded Mungiki sect is back, this time recruiting even schoolchildren in central Kenya.

Already, authorities have arrested more than 90 people linked to the outfit. The sect is usually known to hibernate only to resurface under new names and organisations.

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It reveal that Mungiki has re-emerged under the guise of Nairobi’s Kayole-based criminal gang Gaza.

DRESS CODE

The gang is identified by a unique dress code that has been taken up by many teenagers, most unaware of its links. Skinny jeans usually ankle length, open shoes, beach shirt and a cap are synonymous with the Gaza gang and now the new Mungiki outfit seems to have adopted the fashion. The sect has also been known to spot scout shirts and military attire.

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Mungiki members have pitched camp in Mwea and Kutus in Kirinyaga County, Nyeri town and Kiriaini in Murang’a as well as parts of Nyandarua. Their biggest base is believed to be in Kiandutu slums and Makongeni in Thika.

EXTORT RESIDENTS

Like the traditional Mungiki sect, members are extorting money from public transport operators and residents in popular estates in the name of protection fees. They have also been demanding exorbitant fees from construction sites and businesses.

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However, unlike the past Mungiki, this particular gang has not exhibited oath-related rituals, but it has adopted muggings and break-ins to amass finances. Detectives have hinted that the group is building a central financial organisation, where they extort money from civilians, and split the proceeds later.

GRUESOME KILLINGS

Although their traditional brutality which involved gruesome killings is not yet as visible as it was in the past, victims are frightened to speak of their existence. Those who agreed to speak to Nationabout the gang’s activities did so on condition of anonymity. In Nyeri Town, the main operation base for the gang is the lower bus terminus in central business district. Four touts are suspected to be behind the group’s operation and are said to be collecting the “protection fees” from matatu operators.

SH1,000 WEEKLY

Some operators claim the group has been asking for up to Sh50 per trip.

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The sect members are also known to demand similar fees from residents of Witemere, Blue Valley and parts of Ruring’u. Residents are forced to part with between Sh500 and Sh1,000 per week for “protection”.

The gang is also reported to have recruited schoolchildren, who are tasked with the muggings and burglaries.

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