Former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of forming a sect in Mt Kenya similar to the notorious Mungiki.
Wa Iria, who was recently appointed Chairperson of the Public Procurement Regulatory Board by President William Ruto, alleged that this group, calling itself ‘Itungati,’ is using the name of Mau Mau fighters who resisted colonial rule.
“Gachagua is now promoting a divisive, criminal, and ritualistic sect, which he has named ‘Itungati,’ and is using it to intimidate the president,” Wa Iria said.
He claimed that the group has even warned President Ruto not to visit Central Kenya, threatening him with the words, “If he dares go there, he shall see.”
“This is not only deeply troubling but an outright insult to the peaceful people of Mt Kenya. Even nations like Somalia and Sudan have never descended to the level Gachagua is trying to take us,” he added.
Wa Iria compared Gachagua’s actions to the infamous Interahamwe militia, responsible for the Rwandan genocide, and the notorious Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), which inflicted immense suffering on innocent Ugandans.
He criticized Gachagua for showing disrespect to the Mau Mau liberation heroes by appropriating the revered title ‘Itungati’ for his agenda.
“We will not allow Gachagua to deceive the people of Mt Kenya. From now on, we will decisively confront any form of divisive politics,” he declared.
Wa Iria also called on security agencies to act swiftly and take firm action against the “divisive, criminal, and ritualistic sect” that Gachagua is allegedly trying to promote.
