Former Mungiki sect leader parts ways with Wanjiru

When Mungiki sect leader Maina Njenga saw the error of his ways, Bishop Margaret Wanjiru presented him with a Bible after his release from jail. On Sunday, the Maina Njenga formally parted ways with the JIAM ministry. Photo/FREDRICK ONYANGO

By WAINAINA WA NDUNGU
Posted Sunday, September 5 2010 at 15:41

The former leader of the Mungiki sect Maina Njenga has taken a top position in a little known church after parting ways with former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru’s Jesus Is Alive Ministries (JIAM).

Ms Wanjiru had played a crucial role in converting Mr Maina to Christianity, baptizing him John and convinced him to be “born again” shortly after he was released from prison last year.

But Mr Maina announced on Sunday that he had formally left the JIAM ministry and joined the little known Amazing Grace International Ministries headed by Rev Dr Grace Kariuki.

The former Mungiki sect leader explained he had fallen out with Bishop Wanjiru over her support of the “No” divide during the referendum campaigns.

“The church took an unpopular position during those campaigns. Their leaders said they were following God’s voice to oppose the constitution and I had to run,” he told his supporters.

He said he could not have opposed the new constitution because it opened up opportunities for the youth in leadership and the economy.

The former sect leader spoke at a meeting attended by his new bishop to welcome former sect members at Ihage-ini Primary School in Tetu, Nyeri.

According to Bishop Kariuki, former Mungiki adherents formed the bulk of the church membership and Mr Maina has been designated the church’s Ambassador for Peace.

During the meeting organised by the Central Provincial Peace Forum, 1500 former sect members were formally welcomed back into the society in a ceremony presided over by Nakuru based Prophet David Edward Owour of the Ministry of Repentance and Holiness.