Njenga speaks on Jamhuri Day rally and 2012

By Stephen Makabila
Senior writer
Over the last 47 years of independence, rarely has a politically rally coincided with Jamhuri Day celebrations.
Interestingly, former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga and Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa have planned such a rally at Nairobi’s Kamukunji Grounds.
The theme for next Sunday rally, which will come in the afternoon, is ‘Transformative and generational change’. The two leaders and former protocol officer in the Prime Minester’s office, Tony Gachoka, say Shauri Moyo police have been notified, as the law requires.
They say scores of MPs from Western, Central, Nairobi and the Rift Valley will address the rally.
The Standard on Sunday spoke to Njenga on the rally. Here are excerpts:
QUESTION: What is the generational change you have been talking about?
ANSWER: You realise many youth have remained poor and jobless over the years. It is time we put aside tribal interests and look for a youthful person who has the ability to deliver. That is the person we are going to support in the 2012 General Election.
Q: Why did you decide to work with Wamalwa?
A: Wamalwa is young, intelligent and focused. We are also going to work with others who want to join us. We know where we are going and we will soon decide the vehicle to use.
Q: What is the Youth Philosophy and Ideology?
A: Young people in Kenya today believe in working hard. We have our own solidarity in fighting for equity, justice and youth empowerment. In realising this, we have to be vigilante, responsible and God fearing.
Q: Why December 12 as the date for your rally?
A: This is a day Kenyans celebrate. This year, it is unique because we will also be celebrating the first Jamhuri Day under a new Constitution, which the youth played a role in delivering. After the State function at Nyayo Stadium, we want to invite people to join us at Kamukunji Grounds, listen to our ideas and pray for the country. We are happy with the new Constitution, Kenyans will no longer lose lives like in the 2007/2008 violence. If there will be no clear winner, there will be a run-off.
Q: What is your support base and where is it?
A: I personally enjoy support in Central and Nairobi provinces. I am working with Wamalwa who has growing support in Western Province. We are also going to work with more friends in the Rift Valley, and other parts of the country.
Q: Mungiki youth whom you at one time led were fighting an economic battle; do you think they are keen to play politics?
A: Most human beings are ambitious. They would want to improve their welfare by fighting for leadership positions. In South Africa, the ANC youth have been catalysts of change. In Kenya, youth should turn their power of numbers into ballot figures. The new Constitution is equally the genesis of everything because it has opened up space through devolution and the youth should go for top leadership positions.
Q: What can you say was contribution of youth in campaigning the new Constitution?
A: I was personally in the ‘Yes" camp and moved across Central, Nairobi and parts of the Rift Valley and changed many people to support the new Constitution. Other youthful leaders did the same in other regions. There are many good things in the new Constitution, which the youth have to be proud of. Now we have to go for positions because we are able. Not even the mightiest army can defeat any idea whose time has come.
Q: What do you have that many politicians are after?
A: Apart from the fact that I enjoy youth support, I have good ideas and a great mind, always giving the youth hope. Giving people hope is the secret that makes politicians follow me. It is the will of God.
Q: Can you comment on your relation with Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whom you we at one time were very close to?
A: The PM and even retired President Moi are my friends. We relate very well. For Moi, we joined forces to preach peace in the Rift Valley after post-election violence. However, for Raila, the truth after soul-searching, I decided to stick with fellow youth and I hope we will meet in a fair contest in 2012.
Q: There has been a negative perception over your past association with Mungiki. Are you still the head of the militia?
A: I have never had a militia. It is propaganda by some people in Government, who happen to have related with me very well in the past. The propaganda is meant to distort my good ideas that have made people faithful to me. All those I associate with are Christians and I am currently the leader of Amazing Grace International Ministry.