Nyeri, Kenya – A prayer meeting organized by Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, wife of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, was abruptly disrupted Saturday afternoon in Nyeri County when a group led by former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga stormed the event at Kamukunji Grounds.
The gathering, intended as a peaceful interdenominational prayer session, turned chaotic as Njenga, accompanied by dozens of youths, entered the venue around mid-morning. Witnesses reported that the atmosphere quickly escalated from one of prayer to tension, forcing Pastor Dorcas and other leaders like Nyeri Deputy Governor David Wairui to leave the venue hastily for safety.
The event was part of a broader strategy by Gachagua to maintain his political relevance in the Mt Kenya region, where he has been a significant figure until his impeachment in October 2024. The disruption by Njenga’s followers is seen by many political analysts as a direct affront to Gachagua’s influence, highlighting the ongoing political rivalry in the area.
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Gachagua, who was expected to speak at the event, has since blamed the government for orchestrating this disruption, suggesting that it was a move to diminish his standing in the region. He accused the administration of sending Njenga and his supporters to cause chaos, stating, “Unleashing the leader of an outlawed criminal gang and his goons to disrupt peaceful prayers and desecrate the altar is the lowest any Government can go.”
Maina Njenga, on the other hand, has been vocal about rallying the Mt Kenya region behind President William Ruto’s government, dismissing any rift between him and the administration. His presence at the prayer meeting, alongside claims of aiming to unite the region, has led to speculation about his political ambitions and alignments. His actions are interpreted by some as an attempt to position himself as a new political force in Mt Kenya, challenging the established figures like Gachagua.
The incident has stirred a mix of reactions on social media, with some users condemning the disruption, emphasizing the sanctity of prayer gatherings, while others see it as a political maneuver in the complex chess game of Kenyan politics.
Njenga’s history with the Mungiki sect, which was once banned for its criminal activities, adds another layer to the political narrative, with fears and accusations of its resurgence being used for political gain. The former Deputy President has accused government officials, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, of covertly supporting groups like Mungiki for political leverage.
This event has not only brought to light the fragile political alliances within Mt Kenya but also underscores the ongoing battle for the “kingpin” status in the region, a title that has often been associated with control over the significant voting bloc.
As Nyeri County recovers from the day’s disturbances, the political implications of this event are likely to echo through the upcoming political engagements, shaping the discourse on leadership, loyalty, and governance in one of Kenya’s most influential regions.
