Former Mungiki boss tells off Uhuru and Ruto

Monday, 18 April 2011 00:03 BY WAMBUGU KANYI

APOLITICAL: Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga arrives at Ruring’u stadium in Nyeri town.

FORMER Mungiki strongman Maina Njenga has told Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto to stop turning prayer meetings into political rallies. He said: “I want to tell my brothers to stop mixing prayers with politics. Let us focus strictly on prayers only. I’m the one who started these meetings. These prayers are very good for our youths, and the country in general,” he said at prayer meeting at Ruring'u Stadium in Nyeri on Saturday.
 Though he did not name the politicians, Njenga was making reference to Deputy Prime Minister Kenyatta and MP Ruto who last Monday held a prayer at Uhuru Park which turned into a rally to denounce and make all manner of unsubstantiated allegations against Prime Minister Raila Odinga. He said he pioneered public prayer sessions and told politicians to preach peace and reconciliation.
 Njenga was escorted to the stadium by 300 former Mungiki members who have abandoned snuff and rituals synonymous with the brutal sect. The 300 handed some of the snuff to evangelist Dr David Owuor who conducted the prayers.
 The Saturday trip was Njenga's first since leaving King'ong'o prison on October 23, 2009  “I remember the last time I was here I was in G.K. King’ong’o Prison. I have returned here as a free man. It is now time to turn our youths from their evil deeds and to turn to God. We want to transform this country spiritually,” he said.
 Njenga admitted he had, for close to two decades, been the leader of over five million youths. He said he was ready transform their conduct and make them law abiding citizens.
Last September, Njenga held a similar meeting in Tetu district before heading to Ol Kalou in Nyandarua County. Njenga said over 6,000 youths have so far joined his Amazing International Ministry Church.
Owour urged the church to embrace the youths who have repented and left their criminal ways for the sake of peace of this country. He said prayers are the only answer for this country. The 30,000 worshipers attended the session and were drawn from as far as Malindi and Kisumu.