Casper Waithaka
15 May 2008
Nairobi — The government Wednesday withdrew the last police officers who had occupied the Kitengela home of jailed Mungiki leader Maina Njenga.
Ten officers Wednesday vacated the house. Sources believe this could be because there are behind the scenes talks between Mungiki and representatives of the government.
Mungiki leaders claim they need over Sh20 million to rehabilitate the house of their leader which they reclaimed after police left.
Security
On Tuesday, Internal security minister, George Saitoti, said in Parliament that they will not enter into any negotiations with outlawed groups.
This was in contrast to earlier calls by the Prime minister, Raila Odinga, had called on Mungiki for dialogue.
The ODM spokesman, Salim Lone Wednesday morning said the stand of the Prime Minister had not changed but was not ready to comment on the day to day happenings of the dialogue.
The members of the clergy and leaders from central Kenya led by former defence minister, Njenga Karume also called on the government to talk to the members as well as releasing Maina Njenga on bond.
Mungiki spokesman, Njuguna Gitau Njuguna, who was at the home, lauded the move.
"This was one of our grievances and we are happy, but we continue to call for the release of our patron. We will remain patient," said Njuguna.
They claimed that the police who occupied the house had vandalised electrical fittings, broken locks and chest drawers.
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