Even before the row over the renewal of Del Monte land lease is settled, Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has thrown another spanner in the works after he declared that slum dwellers from Thika will be settled on the land.
Speaking during Jamhuri Day celebrations held at Thika stadium, Waititu said part of the 635 acres surrendered by the company to the county will be used to settle the landless and squatters from Kiandutu, Matharau, Gachagi and Umoja slums.
The governor said landless people have to be settled since the land is available, adding he will ensure proper public participation will be done.
The remarks by the governor contravene the stand by the National Land Commission, which recently stated the land that will be surrendered by the company will be public land. NLC acting chairperson Abigael Mbagaya while speaking to the Standard said the land that will be surrendered will was meant for public use only.
Mr Waititu in September raised a storm after he signed a deal with the company’s Managing Director Stergios Gkaliamoutsas, agreeing to facilitate the renewal of leasehold for the firm’s 8,000-acre land in Kiambu for another 99 years.
In return, the food processing firm agreed to surrender 635 acres to the county. Thika MP Patrick Wainaina, who was also present, said there is a need proper public participation and consultation. Mr Wainaina said the 635 acres that has been given out by the company is too little to settle all the people from the slums in Thika.
Senator Kimani Wamatangi has also faulted the signing of the MoU to facilitate the renewal of leasehold between the governor and the company, saying local leaders were not involved.In a letter copied to the chairman of the National Land Commission (NLC), Central Regional Commissioner, Kiambu County Commissioner and the Del Monte MD, Wamatangi says the MoU overlooked certain issues and requirements.
[Article source: The Standard, by Kamau Maichuhie]
