Azimio call for the release of Maina Njenga, connect the abduction to Special Support Unit
The Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition is calling for the immediate release of Maina Njenga, the former leader of Mungiki, asserting that he was apprehended by the now-defunct Special Support Unit.
The opposition coalition has connected his arrest to the police administration, alleging that it is an attempt to interfere with his upcoming pre-trial case scheduled for the following day.
The coalition led by Raila Odinga has explicitly stated that Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome will be held responsible if any harm befalls the former Mungiki leader.
According to their statement, the arrest clearly aims to disrupt the scheduled pre-trial. They view Maina's abduction as part of a larger pattern of targeting and intimidating opposition figures by the Kenya Kwanza.
The Azimio La Umoja Coalition has claimed that the abductors, who were unidentified and armed, were likely linked to the Special Support Unit, infamous for terrorizing Kenyans during anti-tax protests. They contend that the SSU is still operational and poses a threat to Kenyans.
The Opposition Coalition has labeled the alleged abduction as a desperate ploy by the Kenya Kwanza Alliance to regress the country to the KANU era. They assert that Kenya Kwanza has failed and is resorting to increasingly brutal and dictatorial measures. They urge the populace to stand firm, resist, and demand their freedoms and rights.
Regarding Njenga's abduction, it's reported that he was taken from a residence in Banana, Kiambu, by unknown individuals. His brother and lawyer have stated that the abductors were in police vehicles with South Sudan registration plates.
The Opposition Coalition and other observers see this incident as part of a larger trend of harassment against opposition figures, citing recent arrests of opposition leaders. Maina Njenga's case is set for mention in court on Monday, September 18. He was previously arrested and released on bond for allegedly planning anti-government demonstrations.
In May of the same year, Njenga's homes were raided by the police, leading to his arrest and subsequent detention on allegations of involvement in planning anti-government demonstrations.
