According to The Nation, the group called Amachuma, meaning "'a piece of metal,'" was one of 18 "terror groups" outlawed by the Kenyan government in March 2002 (13 Mar. 2002). Following a violent clash between the Mungiki sect and the Taliban vigilantes in the Nairobi suburb of Kariobangi North on 2 March 2002 and the next day's riot in which 21 people died, Kenyan authorities banned the "sects and vigilante organizations" for reasons of national security (IRIN 14 Mar. 2002).

The Nation also reported that the founding members of Amachuma are from the Kisii community and are used by politicians as bodyguards or to "protect vested interests" (13 Mar. 2002). In addition, Amachuma and Chinkororo, another gang with roots in the Kisii community, "came into the limelight during the infamous 1992 politically-instigated clashes, the recent Gucha/Trans Mara border clashes and the hotly contested South Mugirango by-elections occasioned by the death of MP Enock Magara (The Nation 13 Mar. 2002).

Minister of State in the Office of the President Julius Sunkuli outlawed the 18 "vigilante" groups and specifically named Mungiki, Jeshi la Mzee, Baghdad Boys, Sungu Sungu, Chinkororo, Amachuma, Dallas Muslim Youth, Banyamulenge, Talibans, Runyenjes Football Club, Jeshi la Kingole, Kaya Bombo Youth, Sakina Youth, Charo Shutu, Kuzacha Boys, Jeshi la Nazir, Kosovo Boys and Kamjesh (EAS 22 Aug. 2002; ibid. 9 Mar. 2002). Police Commissioner Philemon Abong'o stated that "'[a]dherents to the groups will be arrested and charged in court'" (IRIN 14 Mar. 2002). He also ordered "provincial and formation commanders to carry out intensive operations throughout the country to crack down on members of all self-styled groups" (EAS 9 Mar. 2002).

Additional information on Amachuma could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

East African Standard (EAS). 22 August 2002. "Kenya: A-G Orders Arrest of Mungiki Followers." (Africa News/NEXIS)

_____. 9 March 2002. "Kenya: Police Name Outlawed Groups." (Africa News/NEXIS)

Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN). 14 March 2002. "Kenya: Police Target Illegal Gangs after Kariobangi." (Africa News/NEXIS)

The Nation. 13 March 2002. "Kenya: The Force Behind Terror Gangs." (Africa News/NEXIS)

Africa Research Bulletin

Europa World Factbook (1999-2002)

IRB Databases

NEXIS

One oral source was unable to provide information on the above-mentioned topic.

Internet sites, including:

Africa Confidential

Africa Online

AllAfrica.com

BBC Africa

World News.com

World News Connection (WNC)

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