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A sign indicating the Maranjau area, Murang’a County.
Detectives in Murang'a County have launched an investigation into an alleged cartel involving prison wardens and criminals who are said to be using Maranjau Prison as a black market hub for narcotics and other illicit goods.
Charity Karimi, the Murang’a South police commander, whose jurisdiction includes the correctional facility, said that the matter “is being treated with the seriousness it deserves and will be investigated to its logical conclusion”.
A sign indicating Maranjau GK Prison in Murang’a County.
This follows complaints from residents of the nearby towns of Kambiti and Kiambamba who, in an interview with the Nation on Monday, claimed that rogue prison wardens, working in collusion with local police officers, have been smuggling bhang, illicit liquor, cigarettes, khat and mobile phones into the prison.
“Kambiti town is being used as a contraband depot for the Maranjau Prison market. The cartel has caused Kambiti to suffer a wave of insecurity as we grapple with a deeply entrenched criminal network,” said Mr Benson Maina, a Nyumba Kumi security representative.
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He added that security agencies have long been aware of the problem, yet have repeatedly failed to act, despite the issue being raised during public meetings.
“The security bosses have been in the know. They have been informed time and again, yet they have chosen to ignore the problem while this area continues to suffer from poverty, crime and a disregard for the rule of law,” said Mr Maina.
The Nation visited the prison on December 17, 2025, at the invitation of the officer in charge, Dr Humphrey Young. Dr Young said that the facility had been recognised by human rights organisations for its exemplary service in safeguarding human life, maintaining hygiene, and promoting farming activities.
However, he declined to comment on the allegations of a contraband market run by his subordinates.
During an early Christmas mass held for inmates that day, they complained about overcrowding, a lack of mattresses, and the prohibition against wearing underwear. They also described how the alleged black market operates within the prison.
"The business starts at around 8 pm when the facility becomes an operational zone and security is intensified. For Sh150, you can buy two rolls of bhang; for Sh450, you can buy 250 millilitres of hard liquor; for Sh100, you can buy muguka; for Sh20, you can buy a cigarette stick; and for Sh50, you can buy snuff,” claimed one inmate.
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Signage at Kambiti Trading Centre in Murang'a county along the Nyeri–Nairobi Highway.
According to sources at Kiambamba and Kambiti markets, bhang and hard liquor are transported into the area via road and railway networks, allegedly with the collusion of corrupt security officers.
Despite repeated complaints and government assurances that action would be taken, residents say the issue has persisted for years.
During a security meeting convened on December 23, 2024, at Kiambamba Shopping Centre, details of rogue wardens—some allegedly renting houses in the area and coordinating the black market—were publicly disclosed.
The meeting was convened by then Murang’a South Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Mr Gitonga Mûrungi and the then Maranjau Prison boss Stephen Ithanzu. It was attended by Maragua MP Mary Wa Maua.
Mr Mûrungi and Mr Ithanzu said they had intelligence on the cartel and promised to act against any warden found culpable.
“We have been investigating these individuals for a while. Investigations are conducted quietly, but your complaints have been heard, and you will soon see changes and action. We do not allow such situations to escalate,” Mr Mûrungi said at the time.
Mr Ithanzu said his office had received complaints against three wardens and that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken.
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MP Wa Maua condemned the security lapses, saying that enforcement complacency had enabled the vice to thrive, and described the situation as unacceptable.
A year later, the black market is reportedly still thriving, with Ms Karimi now vowing to take decisive action.
“This time around, I am serious. I promise to take action that will restore public confidence and redeem the government’s image,” she said.
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