Mungiki

From TinWiki.org

The Mungiki of Kenya are simultaneously a religious sect, an efflorescence of Kikuyu tribal solidarity and political will, and an over-the-top ultraviolent Mafia-style criminal combine. Among their most typical and characteristic activities are beheadings and extortion involving local-Kenyan-style taxi-drivers, called matatu men[1]. Now outlawed, the Mungiki are perceived as such a threat to Kenyan society that they are frequently subject to summary execution by Kenyan police[2]. More than one hundred such extra-judicial killings of Mungiki members were reported in one single police crackdown in 2007[3], the police having been provoked subsequent to another outburst of beheadings. According to one originally confidential police report, Mungiki deliberately orchestrate attacks on the tourism industry and other embarrassing showy atrocities so that the resulting horrible publicity and political recriminations will cause the firings of senior law enforcement personnel who are disinclined to play along with the group. Mungiki members have become brand-new millionaires through the group and other Mungiki members have been elected to parliament.[4][5]

Differing stories exist as to the founding of the Mungiki[6][7], but they first appeared on the scene in the latter half of the 1980s[8]. The word "mungiki" is Kikuyu, meaning "multitude"[9] or "a united people"[10] or "masses"[11]. Today the Mungiki claim variously as many as two million[12] or even 2.8 million[13] members or adherents or cultists or sympathizers, not including the women[14] whose riots and protests can paralyze Nairobi for days whenever prominent Mungiki turn up mysteriously dead[15][16].

The Mungiki pray towards Mount Kenya, they ritually sniff tobacco, don loincloths, stand barefoot in rivers, utter unknown secret oaths in remote hidden forests, and bathe in blood mixed with urine and the tripe of goats.[17] Mungiki leaders have included Ndura Waruinge[18], Maian Njenga,[19] Charles Ndungu[20], and Joe Waiganjo.[21] The Mungiki God is Ngai. The cult of Ngai worship is also sometimes called Thaaism. Maian Njenga reported a vision of Ngai, during which Ngai gave him the sacred mission to unite the Kikuyu and end foreign mind pollution[22]. In some areas Mungiki recruit secondary school students en masse, uttering death threats against any teacher who might wish to object[23]. The Mungiki kidnap members of Parliament, destabilize elections, threaten to circumcise female district commissioners, chop off people's legs[24], set cars on fire[25], skin people's heads, flay the bodies of their enemies, drink human blood from cans[26], tear up railroad tracks, form youth groups[27], circulate petitions[28], raid police stations to liberate their arrested comrades, force women wearing jeans or miniskirts to disrobe on the street, sometimes forcibly impose the traditional female genital mutilation[29], and burn unwilling recruits alive in their homes[30]. Increasingly the Mungiki operate minibus taxis, and other semi-legitimate businesses involving garbage collection, construction materials, building supplies[31], and real estate[32], combining these with the extortion that is at the center of the Mungiki business model or social contract. The Mungiki extortion concept extends to such things as protection tax, bootlegger tax, using the toilet tax[33], water tax, electricity tax, and the provision of receipts[34]. The Mungiki operate six armories, with some of the weapons being stolen from the police, while other weapons are obtained via international sources such as the Oromo Liberation Front from Ethiopia, with weapons often transported wrapped hidden within shipments of beef. The Mungiki operate children's homes and educate hundreds of children. The Mungiki are tied to the international organization the Universal Miracle Centre and to the political party the National Youth Alliance. As of January 2008 the net worth of this "outlawed sect" was estimated at 4.5 billion shillings.[35]

The future course of the Mungiki movement is difficult to extrapolate.

1 Mau-Mau, Mungiki, Oaths, and Rituals
2 Interviews With Mungiki Leaders
3 Footnotes
4 External Links
5 Relevant Discussion Threads on AboveTopSecret.com

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Mau-Mau, Mungiki, Oaths, and Rituals

The direct origin of the Mungiki, although not so very long ago, is already as tangled-up in strands of popular legend and clouds of glory as is the question, "Who invented rock-and-roll?"; but a point of view similar to that of the following excerpt is frequently expressed, and not without some cause (although the excerpted writer may be trying to take the Mungiki down a peg, in his version of the myth of origin, by tying them to an old movement like Mau-Mau while simultaneously emphasizing their paid gun-thug political stooge aspect over their liberation-empowerment-awakening aspect, he is perhaps seeking to de-mythologize them into nothing special by so-to-speak pulling Mungiki out of the immanent sky-like future of revelatory expectation and back into the familiar prison cell of history): "Very few Kenyans are willing to talk openly about Mungiki, a shadowy cult-like sect that has the ability to unleash terror on sections of the Central Province on a scale unseen since the Mau-Mau war of the 1950s. It is a secret society; sometimes seemingly pagan, other times appearing to have a political agenda. Mungiki has been around, in various forms for donkey's years, probably as an offshoot of the Mau-Mau army that found itself without an obvious adversary with the advent of Independence. Like the Mau-Mau fighters of old, its members are sworn to secrecy. They employ ritual murder to inspire terror among the population. After the beheadings in Iraq following Saddam Hussein's overthrow, they have added this gruesome method to their repertoire of ritual killing. But who are these people? If they are the surviving Mau-Mau activists or the children of the heroic men why have they stayed around without a cause to fight? First of all Independence did not deliver the promised land in terms of land, jobs and business opportunities for everybody. The bulk of Mungiki members are young unemployed Kikuyu. Secondly the Kenyatta and Moi administrations sought to give them a role to play by using them as youth wingers (read thugs) of KANU to cow the opposition during election campaigns and in the aftermath of often-fraudulent parliamentary contests. Loaded with the pickings of party cash and high on changa'a (a local potent gin) and drugs, they beat up members of the opposition with impunity and intimidated the electorate into supporting particular candidates. Elections over, they survived by extorting "protection money" from the population, mainly from Nairobi's slums, while the police tacitly closed their eyes. Four decades after Independence, Mungiki has refused to go away. As unemployment continues to rise especially in the urban areas the organization is beginning to assume truly terrifying proportions. And if neighboring countries like Uganda don't watch out," [says Austin Ejiet, writing in the Uganda Daily Monitor in June of 2007] "they too will be in the grip of this phenomenon."[36]

So, if some people say that Mungiki is Mau-Mau, or is like Mau-Mau, the question arises, what do they mean when they say that, is there one particularly conspicuous common thread, of what does this perceived similarity consist? The oaths are mentioned, the fearsome secret swearing-ins that Mungiki and Mau-Mau are both said to feature - what do the recruits say, in these oaths? An article by Steven Makawale (circa January 2006) brings some information to bear upon the "oathing": "Bringing down the outlawed Mungiki sect has been a difficult task for authorities due to the use of oaths in recruitment and as a way of binding members together in loyalty. Sect leaders who spoke to The Big Issue in Nakuru last week said the administration of oaths to new members was meant to strengthen the group and ensure they shared the same goals and aspirations, as opposed to committing beastly acts such as killing non-members. To join the outlawed Mungiki sect, one has to undergo an elaborate ceremony that includes taking a binding oath whose main feature is to swear never to reveal the activities and secrets of the movement to others. One is also made to understand that failure to honor the clause would mean death. First and foremost, those intending to join the sect must be circumcised men and women or younger people intending to undergo the rite. Despite it being declared illegal, the sect continues to recruit young men and women across the country, but this time around, they say, it is a political party. Initially held at their shrine in the Karandi area of Laikipia District, the oathing ceremony is an elaborate process, which begins late in the evening, goes on through the night to end at dawn. Black sheep and goats were slaughtered and their blood mixed with some concoction said to be made out of wild plant roots. Traditional Kikuyu beer, Muratina, whose main component is honey is served in plenty as the initiates engage in singing and chanting slogans in praise of their gods and the movement. Paraphernalia, which include walking sticks painted in red, green, black and white, gourds and small tobacco containers are passed around to members and a flag in the same colors is normally hoisted outside the shrine. "We are Mungiki and we shall stick together and guard the secrets of our sect. We shall protect one another and remain united under our leaders..." the initiates chant as they sip a bloody concoction that is passed around to everyone present. They also sing traditional songs. Roast meat is also passed around to members who take bites in turns after their leaders, and tobacco, in small containers, is passed around for the members to sniff, says a former member who requested anonymity. The man, who co-ordinated Mungiki activities in Rift Valley since the sect was founded until it was declared illegal, says the aim of the elaborate ritual is to unify the group. "All we wanted to achieve was strong unity and to be identified by the society," he says. The sole purpose of the oath, he says, is to ensure that the initiates abide to our doctrines of coming together to form a society that respects the Kikuyu culture and the ancient practices. As morning comes, the new initiates are "baptized" in the wee hours of the morning at a dam near the shrine. The then sect spiritual leader Maina Njenga conducted the ceremonies. The converts are immersed in the murky water before passing over a goatskin, which is spread on the ground where the spiritual leader stood. The sad thing about those who joined the sect after being coerced was that there was no turning back after the oath, our source revealed. "Anyone who joined the sect would be allowed to know all the secrets including our sources of funds, our operations and other internal matters. That is why some people were killed once they denounced the sect," he reveals. There is no turning back once you are a true Mungiki, he says, adding that no one has ever performed a reversal ritual. "This explains why those who join us disappear from the public domain once they feel like not continuing to be members," he explains. Although the government a few years ago destroyed the shrine in Laikipia, the sect leaders maintain they still carry out their activities in secret locations in Rift Valley Province. Late last year, some General Service Unit officers raided the sect's secret location in Ngong near Nairobi, evidence that the group never stopped operating - it only became more secretive. The leader says no one will stop Mungiki unless the members decide to end it. "We are back in a big way and our activities are not only concentrated in the matatu industry. We have gone into other industries in a bid to raise funds for our activities" he warns. However, the leader says the oath is not meant to make followers commit crimes such as killings and adds that people have been using the sect as scapegoat anytime criminals do something. The fear of death, like in the traditional African oaths, is what dominated the process, something that has made most followers, who have since lost interest or those who have other reasons to leave, not to openly declare their departure from the sect. The source said a number of those who have declared publicly that they have left the sect, died in mysterious circumstances. Some were beheaded while others had their tongues pulled out when they were killed. Those still in the sect meet in small groups disguising themselves as business partners or members of a self-help group. This minimizes suspicion. Most of the members no longer keep the trademark dreadlocks that made them easily identifiable and they have stopped sniffing tobacco in public. A large number of youngsters joined the sect out of excitement and desire for adventure without knowing what it entailed. Those are the people who were later brainwashed and used by politicians as machinery to cause mayhem in various parts of the country, says the then Rift Valley coordinator. He says most of these were killed while others languish in jails because they did not properly follow the sects teachings and themes. Due to that ignorance they allowed themselves to be unduly exploited and abused."[37]

Of course, the perennial problem with someone revealing a secret oath or ritual or item of paraphernalia, for example, is that your source may prefer to tell you a lie and still keep the secret; leaving you, the naive questioner uninformed concerning such previously "secret" matters, too ignorant to know the difference. Therefore surveying diverse published descriptions of oaths, ritual practices and paraphernalia may give a more accurate account through the accumulation of cross-references. One published account repeats the above article, while adding: "Young unemployed people are lured into Mungiki through practical pledges of employment ... "graduates pass through a rite that involves ingesting human urine and umbilical cords, before undergoing a public baptism, where English (or Christian) names are dropped in favor of authentic names""(also mentioning a Mungiki flag colored white, yellow, green, red and black).[38]

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Interviews With Mungiki Leaders

From AfricaNews- www.africanews.com for February 13, 2008 : " (Exclusive interview) Mungiki leader Mathenge known as Mnyama speaks to Dennis Itumbi about the murders committed by the Mungiki. "True we have been killing people, but you have to understand us"..."In Kiambu we run 4 children homes. You still call us lazy?" AfricaNews interviewed Mathenge AKA Mnyama, the Mungiki regional coordinator for central Nairobi.

AfricaNews.com: Hello.

Mathenge: Sorry I do not respond to such greetings they have aspects of colonialism which we fought so hard in the Mau Mau period, look at the richness of greetings such as Thaai, or nyororokete (spelling may be wrong) they represent a wholesome answer. (We skip the introductory section of the interview).

AfricaNews.com: When did you join Mungiki?

Mathenge: Eight years ago, then I was a tax collector, but I rose through the ranks.

AfricaNews.com: You sound educated. Would you wish to share your academic background?

Mathenge: After my high school education in Kangaru and Mangu High School, I joined the University of Nairobi where I did a BA in Philosophy with a bias on (Religious) logic, I then did my Master's Degree at St. Paul's Theological College in Limuru and specialized in African Theology.

AfricaNews.com: So it's correct to say that you qualify to be an ordained priest?

Mathenge: Sure, but I refuse to be ordained until African Theology takes over. For example ask yourself why do Churches take alcoholic wine and preach against it? Why are we told of vineyards instead of maize plantations? Instead of pellets church leaders should have bread made from wholesome wheat. Facing Mt. Kirinyaga is a religious concept even Jesus faced the skies...focus is important and Mungiki has a focus.

AfricaNews.com: Are you involved in the post-election violence?

Mathenge: No we are not, those are just people who are using our name.

AfricaNews.com: What focus does Mungiki have other than killing people to scare others to do what they want?

Mathenge: First let me warn you that if this interview has to go on you have to ask about facts...

AfricaNews.com: Sorry to interrupt but it's a fact that Mungiki has been killing people, just tell us why?

Mathenge: True we have been killing people but you have to understand us, even God in the Old Testament killed people who did not toe the line of the Law. We have been killing defectors, and those who refuse to pay their dues for our services and that will not stop.

AfricaNews.com: You are yet to answer why? That is after killing them you lose people who would in future have paid your "taxes".

Mathenge: Young man! You do not understand. We do not waste our time. We ask you to pay taxes and if you refuse we act on you. No negotiations. Give unto Caesar what belongs unto Caesar.

AfricaNews.com: How many people are in Mungiki countrywide?

Mathenge: We had our last National Convention in April 2007 in Thogoto and we realized we had recruited 45,000 new members we are now about 2.8 million, of course excluding women and children.

AfricaNews.com: What are the benefits of joining Mungiki?

Mathenge: When I come to recruit you I will tell you, we don't recruit through the media so I won't answer that question.

AfricaNews.com: Politicians have been mentioned as being part of this movement. What is your reaction?

Mathenge: Sometimes I laugh when I see them denying and laugh more when the media refuses to read in between the lines.

AfricaNews.com: So now you have a chance to tell the truth. Tell me about the politicians involved.

Mathenge: I know you are going to interview "General" (the underground name for Joe Waiganjo the acting leader of the group) so let him tell you, but let me tell you there are many and we actually sponsored a few of our members and they are now in parliament.

AfricaNews.com: So is Mungiki a criminal grouping or is it political?

Mathenge: It is political and religious. Look when Jesus came on the earth he said he was King of the Jews. That is political. Then he said he has come to restore salvation. That is religious and that is our mission. You don't even need to ask that question. Remember the recent meeting in Michuki's office. Why were these politicians meeting?

AfricaNews.com: Mungiki appears to be a group of lazy people who do not value the ethics of hard work, what's your reaction?

Mathenge: Lazy? You think it's easy to raise 2 billion shillings a year? Look at our leadership and members do you see any of them begging? Simply because we do not use a microphone like you does not mean we are lazy, we are very hard working, we patrol estates and keep security, arrest pick-pockets, settle cases of marital consequences, buy food for those who cannot afford. In Kiambu for example we run 4 children homes. You still call us lazy? It is you who are lazy, your job is solely to follow people.

AfricaNews.com: If you are so brutal on defectors why have you not killed Waruinge and he has publicly said he has defected or even Maina Njenga who has even been baptized?

Mathenge: They are alive because we know they have not moved, there are clear structures on how resignations of top leaders are handled, look they were once Muslims remember that conversion? Now they are Christians, maybe tomorrow they will be Hindu but the bottom line is that they are still part of us.

AfricaNews.com: Final question, if you became the President or the Minister for Internal Security how would you fight Mungiki?

Mathenge: I would adopt them as a crucial part of the economy."[39]

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