Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has ignited a political firestorm after clarifying a viral photo of him with former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga—while making explosive allegations against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Kuria claims the photo, which has been circulating on social media, was taken two years ago—not recently, as Gachagua allegedly suggested. He further accused the Deputy President of hypocrisy, alleging that Gachagua himself funded criminal gangs in the past.
The Controversial Photo: What Really Happened?
The photo in question shows Kuria shaking hands with Maina Njenga, the former leader of the outlawed Mungiki sect. The image sparked heated debate, with critics suggesting Kuria was associating with a figure linked to past violence.
However, Kuria dismissed the claims, stating that the photo was taken in June 2023 after an interview at Kameme FM.
“On 11th June 2023, I was leaving an interview at Kameme FM. On my way out, I found Maina Njenga at the reception. He requested a photo. That is the photo that one mad man Rigathi Gachagua is now claiming was taken last week,” Kuria wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
He then launched a scathing attack on Gachagua:
“Relax, my friend. Two years ago, you were calling all our youths Mungiki. Now you call them Itungati. You are a pathetic liar and hypocrite.”
Explosive Allegations: Kuria Claims Gachagua Funded Goons
The feud escalated when Kuria responded to claims that he was funding Njenga, countering that Gachagua had previously financed criminal activities.
“Rigathi Gachagua has accused me during his tour of the US of funding and supporting Maina Njenga. I am guilty as charged. I learnt from the best. I was in the room when Rigathi paid the same people money to steal Uhuru Kenyatta’s goats from Northlands,” Kuria alleged.
He further promised to present damning evidence to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) next week, including audio recordings and videos.
“Moses Kuria has promised that next week he will present raw evidence to the DCI proving that Rigathi Gachagua funded goons to invade Uhuru’s Northland farm and to deal with Azimio protesters in 2023,” a social media user reported.
If true, these allegations could have severe legal and political repercussions for Gachagua, who has positioned himself as a law-and-order figure in President William Ruto’s administration.
Political Reactions: Is Kuria a “State Operative”?
The public spat has drawn mixed reactions, with some analysts suggesting Kuria’s resignation from the Cabinet was a strategic move to undermine Gachagua’s influence in the Mt. Kenya region.
Political commentator Gideon Kithega weighed in on X:
“Moses Kuria didn’t resign out of principle. He’s a State operative planted to confuse Mt. Kenya voters and weaken Rigathi Gachagua’s grip on the region. His so-called resignation is a tactic meant to fool the masses. But it’s too late. The Mountain has already decided. It is Wantam.”
Others speculate that Kuria’s revelations could be part of a broader power struggle within Kenya Kwanza, as factions jostle for control ahead of the 2027 elections.
Maina Njenga’s Troubled Past and Political Rebranding
Maina Njenga, once a feared Mungiki leader, has attempted to rebrand himself as a preacher and political figure. However, his past continues to haunt him, with authorities frequently linking him to unrest.
Njenga has recently been at the center of political rallies in Central Kenya, where he has urged youth to reject violence—a move some see as an attempt to gain political relevance.
What’s Next?
With Kuria vowing to submit evidence to the DCI, Kenyans are bracing for potential legal battles and further political fallout. If Kuria’s claims are substantiated, Gachagua could face serious credibility challenges.
Meanwhile, the ongoing war of words highlights deep divisions within Kenya’s political elite, with personal grudges increasingly playing out in public.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the battle for Mt. Kenya’s political soul is far from over.
