Social Injustices and Criminal Gangs in Kenya: the Case of Mungiki Movement in Kiambu, 1992-2013

Abstract

This study sought to establish whether the Mungiki movement in Kiambu is a case of social injustice or just a criminal gang. The main aim of this study was to examine the persistence of the Mungiki group in Kenya despite the government directive to wipe it out. It examined the validity of social injustice as a basis of the group’s existence; the extent of criminal activities of the group as a consequence of social injustice and the response of the government. The following, hypotheses guided the research: the existence of Mungiki in Kiambu town is a function of social injustice; the criminal activities by the group are an income generating venture; government response was inadequate in curbing the group. The study used both primary and secondary data. This study applied the theory of “greed versus grievance as propounded by Collier and Hoeffler. They argue that violence is as a result of the actors’ willingness for self-satisfaction; manifested in several ways, which includes economic gains enforced through the control of goods and services or by exceeding power in a given state. Secondary data was collected from literatures on the group, while primary data was collected from 215 respondents chosen through cluster and judgmental sampling techniques. The research instruments included questionnaires and interview schedules. The study found out that due to social injustices and lack of gainful employment among the youth, the Mungiki group emerged and continues in existence to give its members identity and means of survival.