Maina Njenga is a prominent Kenyan political figure known for his controversial past as the leader of the outlawed Mungiki sect. Here is a detailed biography based on available sources:
Early Life:
- Birth: Maina Njenga was born on January 2, 1969, in Kalandi village, Laikipia County, Kenya. He was the fourth child and second son in a family of eight children to Stephen Kamunya Njoroge and Margaret Wangui Kamunyo.
- Education: Njenga attended Ol Ng’arua Primary School, finishing his primary education in 1984. He then moved to Ortum Secondary School in West Pokot but didn’t complete his secondary education there, reportedly forging a transfer to Jomo Kenyatta High School in Nakuru.
Rise with Mungiki:
- Njenga became known in the early 1990s as the leader of the Mungiki, a sect initially formed in the late 1980s with roots in Kikuyu traditionalism but later associated with criminal activities like extortion, murder, and violence. His influence among the youth and the sect’s activities made him a figure of both fear and power.
Legal and Personal Challenges:
- Incarceration: Throughout his leadership of Mungiki, Njenga faced numerous legal battles, including charges related to illegal activities of the sect. He served time in prison, notably being released in 2009.
- Tragic Losses: His personal life was marred by tragedies; his first wife, Virginia Nyakio, was murdered in 2009 while he was in prison. His second wife, Grace Wairimu, was also killed in a violent attack in 2014.
Political Career and Reinvention:
- After his release from prison, Njenga attempted to reinvent his image, notably by aligning with religious figures and claiming to have turned to Christianity. He was seen at Jesus Is Alive Ministries, led by Bishop Margaret Wanjiru.
- Political Aspirations: Njenga has had several unsuccessful attempts at political office. He ran for the Laikipia Senatorial seat in 2017 and 2022 under the Kenya African National Union (KANU) but lost both times.
- Recent Political Activity: Njenga has been active in supporting President William Ruto, particularly after Gachagua’s impeachment, positioning himself as a key player in Mt Kenya politics. His actions are often interpreted as efforts to challenge the political establishment in the region.
Wealth and Influence:
- Despite his controversial background, Njenga is known for his wealth, with properties including a mansion in Karen, Nairobi, valued at Sh100 million, and various other land holdings across Kenya. His financial standing has often been linked to his past with Mungiki.
Current Role:
- As of recent reports, Njenga leads ‘The Amani Sasa Foundation’, aimed at uniting people and moving away from his Mungiki past. However, his activities often spark discussions on his influence in Kenyan politics, especially in the Mt Kenya region.
Maina Njenga’s life story is a complex tapestry of leadership, controversy, personal tragedy, and political ambition, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Kenyan socio-political dynamics.
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