This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
Prezzo's Turbulent Past as Mungiki Youth Leader ¶
On June 16, 2020, popular rapper CMB Prezzo opened up about his stint as a youth leader in the outlawed Mungiki sect in an interview on The Play House web series.
Prezzo's journey to becoming a sought-after act in Kenya began with numerous hits under his belt, but he fell into depression in 2012 after separating from his ex-wife. He would often stay indoors all day until he received a phone call from one of former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga's associates.
The caller informed Prezzo that Njenga wanted to meet him at his home in Karen, without revealing what was to be discussed. Prezzo's bodyguard convinced him to attend the meeting, where Njenga pitched his vision to Prezzo, who then accepted to become a youth leader for the Mungiki.
Prezzo revealed that Njenga assigned him various responsibilities, including organizing press conferences. At the time, Njenga was opposed to President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto's run in the 2013 General Elections.
Alongside his then-lawyer Paul Muite, Njenga accused Uhuru of rallying around tribal formations as opposed to national unity. They organized a protest in Limuru against the duo, in which Prezzo was among those teargassed by police.
Prezzo recalled the experience, saying, 'When we got to Limuru, the cops knew that we were pulling up. They were ready for us. When we got out of the car they blasted us with teargas.' Njenga was arrested on the same day, and Prezzo continued working with him while still battling depression.
Prezzo eventually bounced back from depression after receiving a phone call to become Kenya's representative in the Big Brother Africa reality TV competition in South Africa. He put up an impressive performance and finished as the Runners Up, securing other rewards including cash and an opportunity to be the ONE Campaign Ambassador.
He expects to run for the Kibra parliamentary seat in 2022, having been endorsed by the Kalonzo Musyoka-led Wiper Democratic Movement after the death of former MP Ken Okoth in 2019.
