I could not contain the emotions that stormed inside me as I read an article on the reluctance of Members of Parliament to speak against Mungiki. Does a kawaida mwananchi's life hold little value to these esteemed Mps or are they are too afraid for their own lives?
When we see evil in all its manifestations, we are to confront it forthwith with all our might, especially when that evil is claiming lives. Those who stand by and do nothing bear the same responsibility as those committing the deeds- especially if the by-stander has the power and is charged to stopping it. The world is more dangerous because certain people know they can get away with certain things.
No one in Kenya can claim that they and their family are completely safe from Mungiki, but the leaders whose job it is to protect us are busy posturing to save their necks, both physically and politically.
Here are some of the responses from MPs when the Saturday Nation asked them about the Mungiki threat.
John Michuki, Minister for Internal Security and Kangema MP:
…did not mention the sect by name. Instead, he said the Government would crack down on criminals.
He could be talking about any criminals in Kenya, why the reluctance to utter the word Mungiki? Is he not sure that the sect is responsible or is there more under the surface?
Kembi Gitura, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Kiharu MP:
"I don't think there is anyone who can pinpoint somebody and say he belongs to Mungiki." Though he condemned the killings, he could not link them to the sect, saying he does not know who its members are.
At a time when the group and its activities should be condemned in the strongest possible language, he is hesitant and cautious. Considering Kiharu is the place where seven of the beheadings have taken place, this is curious behavior indeed. It would be reasonable to expect his informants in the constituency to have the most information on possible members.
G.G. Kariuki, Laikipia West MP:
"Don't force us to say what you want to write." He then excused himself.
What was he being 'forced' to talk about, what crisis? He is an MP and well aware of his duty to the people, or at least he should be. His unprovoked anger seems just a tad too convenient.
Joseph Kamotho, Mathioya MP:
"Please, you can call me later."
That sounds like a man in fear for his life, if there ever was one.
Nderitu Gachagua, Mathira MP:
"The issue is being handled properly. It is not a political issue. Let me stop at that."
He might as well have said no comment! I wonder if he would have reacted the same way had the crisis in another part of the country.
David Mwenje, Cooperatives Assistant Minister and Embakasi MP:
"…there were no killings in Embakasi."
So you would only be concerned if the robbery was in your house right? Well, after the thugs get done ransacking your neighbor's house, guess where they will be headed? Right!
Kihara Mwangi, Kigumo MP:
…threats to his life began last November when he challenged Mungiki to stop killing innocent people. He revealed that during a meeting in his constituency he was warned to stop condemning the group or he would be a target.
Of all those mentioned, Mwangi is the only one who gave the appropriate response. Despite any risk to his life or political career, he thought it complicit that he speak out against Mungiki. It is not in any doubt that it is Mungiki responsible; they have actually gone to lengths to assure that they are credited with the grisly killings.
It is curious then the caution with which the MPs for some of the directly affected constituencies employ when they are talking or rather not talking about Mungiki. If our leaders will not even speak out against the group, how will they act against it? Picture Kenya under attack by Ugandan forces from Uganda, would they take the same stance? Well Kenya is under attack from within, and it is time for the Internal Security Minister and his companions to step up or step out!
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Please do not hold your breath waiting for the likes of Michuki, Kamotho and GG Kariuki to condemn the murderers because these clowns are all cruelly compromised and here is one cage that even the Nyoka minister cannot rattle.
Did you ever hear of the little boy who found a kitten in the bush and brought it home. It grew into a huge tiger and devoured the whole family. The little boys include the afore-mentioned.
Doris you suggest that Kihara Mwangi gave an adequate response. I think he is holding back. He recently claimed, and this is on record, that one time, long ago, a whole bunch of MPs were abducted from one of Karume's dodgy bars and frogmarched by masked gunmen into a back alley where they were forced to take an oath. He did not take this oath and was allowed to escape. He says he reported the whole incident to the so called authorities.
I suggest that as a matter of urgency Mwangi should tell us who the other abductee MPs were. It is not melodrama to suggest that as long as he is the sole holder of this information his life expectancy is highly doubtful. Do you think that "hon" Njenga Karume should be invited to make a statement on the above oathing incident which allegedly took place in his pub?
I will not let Wakikuyu off the hook that easily. There have been mumerous occasions where oaths have been administered. In Kenyatta's reign I know of several oathing incidences which left people of my father's generation feeling used and humiliated. Ask anyone who was around at the time of Mboya's muder, JM's murder. The things that they saw and experienced were harrowing and disgusting. One clever disclaimer with every oath-taking is that you have to be silent about it, else may it kill you. Perhaps that is why many more are not coming out against it. Does your wife know that you have taken this latest oath?
Have we divulged too much? You picked up this torch one dark night and shone it ahead of you and you saw the dark secrets of the Mumbi family. Murder, incest and idolatry. If you switch off the light and turn away we will always live in fear. Shine the light and reveal the truth and the TRUTH shall set you free!
We can write and write and argue until the cows come home. Ultimately the buck stops with the Chief executive. His fence sitting ways are a real let down at a time when the Nation needs true leadership. Many readers will remember this in december