How Maina Njenga's Mother-in-Law Caused Chaos in Court

The courtroom was chaotic on Monday when Hannah Njoki took her place on the witness stand to testify against her son-in-law, Maina Njenga, the former leader of Mungiki.

The elderly woman, summoned by the prosecution, made her way to the witness stand with a resolute stride. A Bible, tendered by a court assistant, awaited her solemn oath. Ms Njoki, fluent in the Kikuyu language, was expected to provide her testimony concerning Mr Njenga's alleged affiliation with a prohibited gang. Positioned on the courtroom's left side, she faced her son-in-law and his seven co-defendants. Every eye and camera focused on Ms Njoki, but as she reached for the Bible, a sudden tremor seized her, leaving her gasping for air.

She expressed worry and disclosed having felt weak. The court officials quickly rushed to her aid, propping her up on a cushioned bench. The disturbance led Principal Magistrate Kipkurui Kibelion to pause the proceedings for a quarter of an hour, granting the elderly lady time to receive help. Accompanied by court personnel, Ms Njoki was guided out of the courtroom, leaving everyone in disbelief. According to reports, she regained consciousness after receiving initial medical assistance from the court attendants.

Ms Njoki divulged to the police that she had neglected to take her prescribed medication for a medical condition and had also skipped a meal that day. State Counsel Wycliff Omwenga further informed the court that Ms Njoki, a crucial witness in the case, had experienced difficulty breathing due to congestion in the courtroom and had suffered from a sudden panic attack while testifying. Mr Omwenga assured the court that Ms Njoki had fully recovered and would provide her testimony at a later date. This decision was made after the court rejected Mr Njenga's plea to have the case dismissed based on legal irregularities.