Silverio Omari
Kiambu County Governor Kimani Wamatangi has called for a swift investigation into Tatu City regarding an ongoing land dispute. Governor Wamatangi is advocating for Tatu City to allocate ten percent of their land for public use, a demand Tatu City has labeled unconstitutional, arguing that as a private developer, no law mandates such a provision.
In a statement addressed to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Wamatangi asserted that Tatu City Management has falsely accused him and Kiambu’s County Executive for Land, Salome Wainaina, of extortion. He defended his position by citing the Physical and Land Use Planning Act 2019, which stipulates that areas designated for public use in developments should be transferred to the County Government, a requirement Tatu City was notified of.
“Consequently, it is the position of the law and that of the County Government in this issue, that all matters regarding the reservation and subsequent surrender of land for access, wayleaves, public purpose, and public utilities in any comprehensive mixed-use development are not negotiable and must comply with all relevant laws,” stated Wamatangi.
Despite discussions with the development management, Mendenhall, Tatu City continues to accuse the Kiambu County Government of the same allegations. Governor Wamatangi is now demanding that Mendenhall provide evidence to support his claims to the aforementioned investigative bodies. Previously, Tatu City management had declined an invitation from the Kiambu County Government to address concerns about delays in approving their revised land plan valued at Ksh.4.3 billion.
In a statement on July 16, Mendenhall indicated that the meeting would not resolve any of the pending issues and suggested that the county government should purchase the desired 54 acres of land rather than expecting it to be handed over.
Dj Vnyash
