Suspected former Mungiki leader buri*d in 15 minutes under heavy security
Wangari Njuguna and Njange Maina
There was high tension in Maragua, Murang'a County as a man believed to have been a leader of the outlawed Mungiki sect was buried in a record 15 minutes.
There was heavy police presence in Maragua town with the roads blocks mounted on the roads leading to the town.
The body of Samuel Mwangi Njoki was collected from Murang'a Hospital Mortuary and on getting to his home on Mathareini village, the family was not allowed to hold the funeral mass for him.
There were no prayers, tributes, or reading of the eulogy of the deceased, instead, the body was taken directly to the gravesite.
Mwangi is alleged to have been the Mungiki regional commander between 2001 and 2007 but he is said to have reformed.
However, sources indicated that one of the ex-sect leaders was also expected in the burial which could have stirred the peace in the area.
Police sources who sought anonymity said there were reports that members of this sect coming from other areas were expected to attend the burial.
Area County Commissioner Mohammed Bare said the police presence was just to ensure peace and order were maintained during the burial.
He however said there was nothing unusual in having the burial conducted in such a short time adding that its the right procedure during this corona pandemic.
"The police were there to control the numbers and ensure the things were done in the right way," said Bare.
The family members condemned the police and accused them of denying them a chance to give a decent send-off for their kin.
They denied claims that Mwangi was a sect leader terming him as a loving family and business man.
"Our brother was not a criminal and he had never been arrested for any crime," said one of Mwangi's brother.
There have been reports that the sect is resurfacing in some parts of the county and the security agents say they are on high alert to stem its resurgence.
