Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga is preparing to play a central role in Mount Kenya’s political landscape as he declares his intent to guide the region’s communities toward a unified political direction.
This announcement follows a recent court ruling that cleared him of charges related to criminal gang affiliations—allegations he has consistently denied.
Njenga believes the time has come for Mount Kenya to chart its own political course and has promised to make a major announcement in January 2025 outlining his vision for the region’s future.
“I urge our people to remain calm as we develop better strategies for their benefit. We will unveil the path the country should take in January,” said Njenga, appealing to the people of Mount Kenya to stay hopeful and emphasizing that the region has capable leaders ready to step up.
Njenga’s upcoming announcement aligns with a similar declaration made by impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, underscoring the ongoing political rivalry in Mount Kenya.
Since the fiercely contested general election in August 2022, tensions between Njenga and Gachagua have been evident.
Upon his election as Deputy President, Gachagua accused Njenga of misleading the region’s youth and involving them in criminal activities.
Njenga, in turn, accused Gachagua of using government resources to target and harass the youth in the area.
Following his recent legal victory in Nakuru, Njenga maintains that the charges against him were politically motivated. Taking a jab at Gachagua, he suggested that those who once sought to bring him down are now facing legal troubles themselves.
“I am happy to be free because a conspiracy was plotted against me by certain individuals, but now they are the ones dealing with cases, just as they did to me,” he said in an exclusive interview with Taifa Leo.
Focus on Youth and 2027 Elections
As he sets his sights on Mount Kenya politics, Njenga is rallying support from the youth, who he says will play a critical role in the 2027 elections.
He has urged young people to safeguard their identification cards and be ready to vote.
“I call on all young people to collect their IDs so they can make their voices heard and counted for the change they need. We stand with them and will support them in this process,” Njenga said.
While Njenga unsuccessfully vied for the Laikipia Senate seat under a KANU ticket in the 2022 elections, he did not disclose whether he plans to run for office again. However, he affirmed his continued alignment with the Azimio la Umoja coalition, which he believes represents the best alternative leadership in Kenya.
“I am working alongside other Azimio leaders, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and ODM leader Raila Odinga, as we support the bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship,” he noted.
With Njenga and Gachagua both vying for political supremacy in Mount Kenya, the region and the country at large are bracing for fierce competition.
