Mĩhĩrĩga Kenda Denies FGM Claims After Police Raid on Juja Shrine

Members of Mĩhĩrĩga Kenda, a traditional organisation based in Juja, Kiambu County, have strongly denied allegations that they are involved in female genital mutilation (FGM), following a police raid on their shrine over the weekend.

The group, led by Muthumbi Mwangi and Kamau Kirigi, dismissed claims that they have been mutilating female members, including school-going children. They described the accusations as false and malicious, saying they are aimed at discrediting the organisation.

The leaders spoke on Saturday after authorities raided their shrine in Juja on suspicion that the group was operating as a criminal sect and engaging in the outlawed practice of FGM. Several members were arrested during the operation.

“We do not engage, promote or condone female genital mutilation because it is a criminal offence,” Kirigi said. “Anyone who commits such a crime must be investigated and held personally accountable by the law.”

Kirigi claimed that the organisation has faced repeated attempts to tarnish its name through what he termed as baseless allegations. He said the claims have strained relations between the group and the wider community.

The group also raised concerns over the conduct of authorities during the crackdown. They alleged that a local chief forcibly subjected a minor to an invasive genital inspection to determine whether she had undergone FGM. According to the group, the girl was later examined at a health facility and confirmed not to have been subjected to the practice.

“This act violated the law, degraded the child and infringed on her constitutional rights, bodily integrity and dignity,” Kirigi said. “No child should ever endure such treatment, and no circumstances justify this kind of abuse.”

Mĩhĩrĩga Kenda further denied allegations that it is a criminal sect linked to the outlawed Mũngĩkĩ group. The leaders said the organisation is legally registered with the Registrar of Societies under the name Wicarie Society and engages in lawful cultural, educational and spiritual activities.

“We are a peaceful organisation dedicated to preserving Agĩkũyũ cultural and spiritual heritage,” Mwangi said. “We do not coerce, radicalise or force anyone to participate. Blanket condemnation of cultural or spiritual organisations is unjust.”

He added that the group operates openly and welcomes members of the public to learn about Agĩkũyũ  traditions and values.

“We invite the public to join and participate in our cultural and spiritual activities and experience our heritage firsthand,” Mwangi said.

The members called on the government to uphold their constitutional rights to freedom of worship, culture and association. They argued that repeated raids on their shrines and premises have undermined those freedoms.

“The truth will prevail and our organization will continue its mission of cultural preservation and lawful community service,” said Wanjiru Kiarie, a member of the group.

Earlier, Juja MP George Koimburi visited the group at Juja Police Station, where he demanded the immediate release of those arrested. He argued that no member had been found engaging in illegal activity and criticized authorities for allegedly infringing on the group’s right to associate and worship despite being legally registered.

Authorities have yet to issue a detailed statement on the outcome of the raid.