By Robert Hummy NAIROBI, June 21 (Reuters) - A Kenyan court sentenced on Thursday a former leader of the outlawed Mungiki criminal gang -- blamed for a surge of violence in the country -- to five years in jail for possession of an illegal firearm. Last month, police killed at least 33 people in a crackdown on the gang, blamed for a spate of brutal murders which have fuelled fears of escalating violence ahead of elections later this year. Female relatives in the packed courtroom burst into tears John Maina Njenga's sentence was read out. Njenga claimed police planted the gun which was found during a search of his house. He also argued that the firearm was old and unserviceable and did not pose a threat to anyone. But Magistrate Rosemelle Mutoka said the evidence given by five police officers was credible. Njenga has 14 days to appeal. Njenga was a founder member of Mungiki, which means "multitude" in the Kikuyu tribal language. He denounced the gang while in prison, saying he had become a born again Christian, according to local media reports. Mungiki began in the 1990s as a quasi-religious sect and portrays itself as a champion of the poor. Police say it is now a large organised crime operation, similar to the Italian mafia, which earns money through extorting protection fees from minibus operator. The Mungiki has tightened its grip on Nairobi's Mathare slum, forcing residents to buy their water and electricity from it at high prices, pay protection money and other "taxes". The gang was banned in 2002 after members armed with knives and clubs killed more than 20 people in a Nairobi slum.
