200 Mungiki suspects arrested

Nairobi, Kenya - More than 200 suspected of the outlawed Mungiki sect have been arrested in Muranga District during the burial of four colleagues who had been killed by area residents last week.

The members were allegedly planning a revenge attack on the residents. Reports also indicate that they engaged police officers in a shoot-out for several hours last night.

The aftermath of a fierce gun battle between members, over hundred cars were extensively damaged following the incident.

It is alleged that the vehicles had been hired by members of the outlawed sect to ferry them to the burial of four of their colleagues who were killed by irate residents for their involvement in criminal activities in the area.

The vehicle owners say they had hired out the vehicles at 10,000 shillings each from Nairobi to Mukurwe-ini and were not aware that they members of the outlawed sect.

The Mungiki members are said to have harassed and injured police at road blocks as they headed to the burial but when they returned police had gone for reinforcements and were able to arrest 200 members.

Police say they had received word that the Mungiki members were on a revenge mission. Calm has returned in the area and security intensified as police continue patrolling the area.