Sores Arrested as Police Launch Crackdown After Maina Njenga’s Nyeri Meeting Ban
Police in Nyeri have launched a major security crackdown, arresting dozens of suspected criminals, commonly known as sores, in the wake of a controversial ban on a public meeting planned by former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga. The operation aims to dismantle criminal networks and preempt any potential violence or unrest linked to the prohibited gathering. The arrests targeted individuals with existing police records and those believed to be central to organizing gang activities in the region.
The government, through County Commissioner Pius Murugu, had banned the scheduled meeting, citing intelligence reports that it posed a threat to public order and safety. The subsequent police swoop is seen as a direct measure to assert state authority and prevent any retaliatory actions from Njenga’s supporters or other criminal elements. Security patrols have been intensified across Nyeri town and its environs.
The crackdown has received mixed reactions from residents. While many welcome the enhanced security and the arrest of known criminals, others view it as a heavy-handed response that could exacerbate tensions. The police have defended the operation, stating it is a necessary step to maintain law and order and to protect lives and property from organized criminal gangs. The suspects are expected to be charged with various offenses in court.