Why Moi allowed Mungiki in the matatu business, former leader Maina Njenga
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Former Mugiki leader Miana Njenga explains why late President Daniel Arap Moi allowed the outlawed group to man the matatu industry
Former Mugiki leader Miana Njenga explains why late President Daniel Arap Moi allowed the outlawed group to man the matatu industry.
On Friday, July 14, former Mugiki commander Miana Njenga in an interview on a radio talk program explained why the late President Daniel Arap Moi permitted the outlawed Mungiki gang to operate in the matatu business.
In an interview with Spice FM, Maina admitted that the economy at the time was in shambles, particularly in rural areas, and that young people lacked employment.
The former sect leader claimed that the former President permitted young people to provide security and man the sector in an effort to alleviate the situation.
“When people started investing in the matatu industry, we approached former President Daniel Moi and told him we have a problem, especially in the villages and we suggested a way of helping. We asked the president whether we can join the industry and work with the owners and he agreed,” he stated.
While on it, the move created jobs for young people and streamlined the industry.
In exchange, drivers paid Ksh100 per night for the youth to watch over and wash the vehicle adding that it was a small price to pay for safety.
Njenga narrated that trouble started when the government began to question why the group was entrusted with the sensitive sector.
“It was only 20 years later that the government decided we were not doing a good job. What we were doing then is what is going on now,” he remarked.
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The Ex-Mungiki leader added that the industry was a source of income for most Kenyans even those with university degrees.
“If you can not get a job, create opportunities for yourself. You can not just stay in the house waiting for someone to employ you. We were helping the young men raise capital to start businesses,” he stated.
He made it clear that even though he was no longer a part of the group, he was still working to support the young people.
The former leader was recently accused of stirring up the young and plotting to bring back Mungiki and cause trouble in the streets; he has subsequently refuted these accusations.
He further dismissed claims that he wants to be the next kingpin of Mt Kenya as claimed by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“I have heard the deputy president talk about me a lot. They claim I want to be the Mt Kenya kingpin, but I do not think I am interested in that position. I am past that,” he remarked.
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