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Kenya police shots in cult clash Kenya police shots in cult clash
(10 minutes later)
Police in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, have fired gunshots to disperse crowds during a major crackdown on followers of the banned Mungiki sect.Police in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, have fired gunshots to disperse crowds during a major crackdown on followers of the banned Mungiki sect.
The paramilitary unit has sealed off Mathare slum and are searching for guns and sect members.The paramilitary unit has sealed off Mathare slum and are searching for guns and sect members.
The massive hunt comes a day after Security Minister John Michuki vowed to intensify operations against the sect.The massive hunt comes a day after Security Minister John Michuki vowed to intensify operations against the sect.
Twenty-one people were killed in a shoot-out there on Tuesday following the killing of two policemen on patrol. Twenty-one people were killed by police in a shoot-out on Tuesday following the killing of two policemen on patrol.
The BBC's David Ogot in Nairobi says several people have been arrested and many residents have fled the Mathare slum, home to some 500,000 people and believed to be a Mungiki stronghold. The BBC's Karen Allen at the scene says she has seen several dead bodies being brought out of slum dwellings.
"People are being asked to kneel down before being frisked by the heavily armed officers," our correspondent said. She also saw about 40 people - including women and children - being forced by police to lay down in the mud as the operation continues.
Many residents have fled the Mathare slum, home to some 500,000 people and believed to be a Mungiki stronghold.
Beheading warningBeheading warning
Earlier, Mungiki members threatened to behead more policemen.Earlier, Mungiki members threatened to behead more policemen.
Albert Kimathi, the police chief in Muranga district north of Nairobi, confirmed that threatening leaflets authored by the sect members were circulating in the area.Albert Kimathi, the police chief in Muranga district north of Nairobi, confirmed that threatening leaflets authored by the sect members were circulating in the area.
KENYA'S SECRETIVE MUNGIKI Banned in 2002Thought to be ethnic Kikuyu militantsMungiki means multitude in KikuyuInspired by the Mau Mau rebellion of the 1950s Claim to have more than 1m followersPromote female circumcision and oath-takingBelieved to be linked to high-profile politiciansControl public transport routes, demanding levies Blamed for revenge murders in the central region Profile: Mungiki sectKENYA'S SECRETIVE MUNGIKI Banned in 2002Thought to be ethnic Kikuyu militantsMungiki means multitude in KikuyuInspired by the Mau Mau rebellion of the 1950s Claim to have more than 1m followersPromote female circumcision and oath-takingBelieved to be linked to high-profile politiciansControl public transport routes, demanding levies Blamed for revenge murders in the central region Profile: Mungiki sect
The Mungiki warn that unless residents and traders pay protection fees, they will behead 20 people.The Mungiki warn that unless residents and traders pay protection fees, they will behead 20 people.
The sect is accused of beheading more than a dozen people in the capital, Nairobi, and parts of the central province, in the past three months.The sect is accused of beheading more than a dozen people in the capital, Nairobi, and parts of the central province, in the past three months.
"We assure the residents that we have beefed up security in the area and will counter the sect effectively," Mr Kimanthi told reporters in Muranga."We assure the residents that we have beefed up security in the area and will counter the sect effectively," Mr Kimanthi told reporters in Muranga.
The leaflets ask transport operators, small businesses and homesteads to pay between $1and $3 as a daily protection fee.The leaflets ask transport operators, small businesses and homesteads to pay between $1and $3 as a daily protection fee.
Mr Michuki, who chaired a meeting with leaders from the most affected areas, said they all support a merciless campaign against Mungiki.Mr Michuki, who chaired a meeting with leaders from the most affected areas, said they all support a merciless campaign against Mungiki.
Last week, the president warned that Mungiki activities would no longer be tolerated and ordered a shoot-to-kill policy.Last week, the president warned that Mungiki activities would no longer be tolerated and ordered a shoot-to-kill policy.
The Mungiki are thought to be militants from Kenya's biggest ethnic group, the Kikuyu.The Mungiki are thought to be militants from Kenya's biggest ethnic group, the Kikuyu.
Some commentators have linked them to politicians wanting to cause unrest and fear ahead of December elections.Some commentators have linked them to politicians wanting to cause unrest and fear ahead of December elections.
The sect promotes female circumcision and oath-taking and was outlawed in 2002.The sect promotes female circumcision and oath-taking and was outlawed in 2002.