The sect is battling to control the city's public transport terminals

The sect members were rounded up in Dandora, Kasarani, Kayole and Kariobangi estates, where they have a strong following.

Mr Wariunge claims that the sect, whose male members identify themselves with dreadlocks, has recruited hundreds of ex-police and military personnel.

On Tuesday, a team of officers ransacked his house just outside the capital city, in search of weapons and other items related to the sect.

Police commissioner Philemon Abongo has admitted that the force is concerned about the movement's activities and has assured Kenyans that they will contain it.

Controversial movement

The Mungiki movement is believed to have started in 1980. Its leaders claim they have more than four million members, mostly comprising jobless youth on the streets of the capital.

The sect claims to have more than four million members

Its followers reject Christianity as a foreign, imposed religion and claim it is against their forefathers' beliefs.

It has consistently been refused official recognition by the government, due mainly to its highly controversial practice of female genital mutilation.

Followers of the sect are bound by a traditional oath of secrecy, which the mainstream Christian churches have denounced as evil.