Land encroachment and insecurity issues take centre stage during Mashujaa day celebrations

By Daniel Mwendo

Mutomo sub county commissioner has warned local leaders against territorial encroachment. Speaking during Mashujaa day celebrations held at Mutomo stadium, the administrator implored the leaders to put aside party differences and serve the citizens who had elected them

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“ I am also directing Chiefs and Sub chiefs to ensure that no illegal structures are erected at road reserves and other undesignated areas,” added Mr.Cherop who also  advised residents to use traditional methods of settling land disputes before the land commission was put on board to ensure a peaceful co-existence.

Mutomo Sub County Deputy County Commissioner

Mr. Cherop speaks during the Mashujaa day celebrations 

(Photo:Daniel Mwendo/MCV)

 Citing that Kitui South game reserve was a gazetted government property, Mr. Cherop ordered residents living on the reserve to leave with immediate effect.

Speaking during the event, the Local Member of Parliament, Dr.Rachael Kaki Nyamai informed her constituents that among the plans underway for implementation were; piping of water from Kithini to Mutomo town, issuing of university and college bursary in two weeks’ time and issuance of tittle deeds which the residents could use as collateral security to access financial aid.

She also criticized the county government for issuing a big chunk of money for building a mortuary citing that Mutomo residents were in more need of a spacious district hospital than a mortuary.

The ICC issue was not left out with the MP stating that she was of the opinion that the President should not go to the Hague based court.

Other local leaders who spoke during the event were Mutha member of County assembly Mr.Kavindi, Mutomo Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Mr. Benjamin Kyalo among others.

Mr Kavindi asked the government to provide a vehicle to Mutha police station because they were hiring motor cycles which is expensive thus hindering quality security services to the residents considering that Mutha Division borders Tana River district which poses a major security threat.

The Ikanga/Kyatune member of county assembly Mr. Jamhuri, said that the Kitui- Kibwezi road has remained un tarmacked because of disunity among the leaders in the area .He added that it was very unfortunate that this is the only B7 road in Kenya which is un tarmacked

The chairman of the chamber of commerce Mr. Kyalo Benjamin complained of the on-going harassment of businessmen whose buildings were constructed without council approval as this was both frustrating and embarrassing and retarding development in the area.

The local Maendeleo ya Wanawake Chairlady Mrs. Esther Musau implored residents to protect their resources through supporting the government in the war against poaching and charcoal burning.

Stephen Muliki ,a former colonial era chief caused laughter when he said  that the local member of parliament,Dr Rachael should be regarded as  one of the local heroes because she is the first woman member of parliament in Kitui south since independence. Other local heroes are the late chief Nzuki Muliki from kanziko who made it mandatory for every person in Kanziko to go to school, Chief Mwanduka Kisemei who donated land for the construction of the Mutomo Mission Hospital ,Matuku Muoka from ikutha among others.