Tensions are running high in the South-Ngariama ranching scheme located in Mwea-East sub-county, Kirinyaga County, as furious residents continue their efforts to expel members of the banned Mungiki sect from their community.
On Thursday, a 50-year-old man, believed to be affiliated with the gang, was killed, and his home, along with all his possessions, was set ablaze at Itangi Trading Centre.
Mwea-East Sub-County Police Commander Mohammed Jarso confirmed the incident and criticized the residents for resorting to vigilante justice.
“Moses Njagi was killed by the enraged residents of the scheme. Sadly, he is no longer with us. We must value human life,” stated the police chief.
The residents of the 28,000-acre South-Ngariama ranching scheme began their campaign against the outlawed sect on January 29, 2025, resulting in the death of one member, followed by another on January 30, 2025. They accuse the gang of terrorizing the area since last year, forcibly seizing land and committing acts of violence against women.
“We will drive them all out; they have started assaulting our wives. Can you imagine someone taking your wife by force while you stand helpless, waiting for her return the next day without knowing what happened?” lamented one resident who wished to remain anonymous.
Over 500 residents are losing sleep as they search for the sect members, while elderly men stay behind to protect women and children.
“We learned that this man was advised by the security team to leave, but he was too late as we were already pursuing him,” the residents reported.
In response, the security team in Mwea-East Sub-County, led by Deputy County Commissioner Fred Ayieko, convened a security meeting at Itangi Shopping Centre this evening, urging the South-Ngariama residents to uphold the law and refrain from taking matters into their own hands.
