Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has instructed Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia to file a petition urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the government over claims of supporting the outlawed Mungiki sect.
Speaking during a church service at Guardian Angel Tetu Catholic Church in Nyeri County on Sunday, Gachagua accused the government, through Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, of clandestinely funding the outlawed group to disrupt peace in the Mt Kenya region.
Without directly naming individuals, Gachagua referenced a December 31 political rally led by Maina Njenga, a controversial pastor and political figure who has previously been linked to Mungiki.
During the rally, Njenga announced his intention to politically challenge Gachagua.
In response, Gachagua launched a strong criticism of the government, drawing attention to the sect’s violent history.
“The ICC should not wait until crimes against humanity have been committed. This gang is known to have committed crimes against humanity,” Gachagua stated.
“Why can’t the police, instead of giving protection to that criminal gang as directed by the Deputy President, deal with the alcohol issue?” he questioned.
Gachagua tasked Kaguchia with documenting Mungiki-related crimes from previous decades, particularly from the 1990s, for submission to the ICC.
“Hon Kaguchia, you must get a team and document all the crimes that were committed by that team of outlawed sects in the 1990s because those were crimes against humanity and start engaging the ICC,” he directed.
The former Deputy President further alleged that following the December 31 rally, residents were harassed and robbed, though these claims remain unverified by independent sources.
Gachagua’s remarks are likely to heighten political tensions, not only in the Mt Kenya region but also within the broader political landscape.
This year promises to be a defining moment for Mt Kenya politics, with Gachagua hinting at a significant political announcement later this month.
“This January, I will tell you what we have agreed, and it is good that I have said that my friend the President did well in bringing on this political fight with the people of the mountain as we have now known him,” Gachagua disclosed.
