MP Dawood U-turn on controversial Imenti Forest projects
Member of Parliament for North Imenti Rahim Dawood.
What you need to know:
- In 2023, Mr Dawood asked President William Ruto to prioritise the construction of an airstrip and State Lodge near Imenti Forest.
- But on Saturday, Mr Dawood said he had changed his mind after reading a petition by Rhino Ark executive director Christian Lambrechts.
North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood, who has been a vocal proponent of the construction of a State Lodge, airstrip and golf course in Imenti Forest, has changed his stance, declaring that the projects would be harmful to the environment.
Mr Dawood's Damascus moment comes a few days after NTV aired an investigative report by Sauti Sessions, revealing that goons were allegedly paid to attack those opposed to the projects during a public participation forum in July.
The investigation also showed elephants roaming the area that has already been cleared for the airstrip project.
In 2023, Mr Dawood initiated the process after asking President William Ruto to prioritise the construction of an airstrip and State Lodge near Imenti Forest, drawing criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Mr Gachagua accused Mr Dawood of going against President Ruto's Sh15 billion tree-growing initiative by advocating for the degradation of Imenti Forest.
During the public participation event on July 8, chaos erupted after angry residents attempted to rough up musician Kamanu M'Tuamwari for opposing the project.
An attempt by lawyer Elizabeth Gitari, who is also the chairperson of the East African Wildlife Society, to serve a court order stopping the meeting failed after she was denied an opportunity to address the gathering.
The North Imenti MP refused to give Ms Gitari the microphone and asked her to sit down after learning that she was armed with a court order.
At the meeting, Mr Dawood said the project would proceed despite opposition from a section of Kenyans, arguing that members of the area Community Forest Association supported it.
But on Saturday, Mr Dawood said he had changed his mind after reading a petition by Rhino Ark executive director Christian Lambrechts and watching the investigative report dubbed 'When Trees Fall: Inside the Battle over Imenti Forest'.
“When I lobbied for an airstrip and a State Lodge in my constituency, I did not advocate for destruction of the forest. I expected a civilian airstrip which could be built away from the forested areas and the elephant corridor. When I watched the report on NTV, it dawned on me that elephants were using the affected area and many trees had been felled,” Mr Dawood said.
He added that his idea of an airstrip was meant to serve the public, but the Government decided to build an operational aerodrome to be operated by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).
The MP further said he had been advocating for 50 acres of Agriculture Society of Kenya (ASK) land in Gitoro to be hived off for construction of a State Lodge.
“However, I have learnt that the contractor who visited the site rejected it, saying it was not secure. They are proposing to annex 200 acres of Imenti Forest land near the KFS offices. What we wanted was an airstrip for commercial flights. I cannot agree to that,” Mr Dawood said.
He now wants the airstrip project relocated to Gaitu, where there is an abandoned aerodrome.
He also wants the golf course built on land belonging to Meru University of Science and Technology in Tigania West, where he said a plan is already in place.
But speaking while inspecting damage caused by a fire that has been raging on Mt Kenya, Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi maintained that the airstrip was essential infrastructure for conservation efforts.
“If we had an airstrip in the forest, it would be easier to contain the fire that is spreading fast on Mt Kenya. The terrain is very challenging to be tackled by people on foot. God willing, we will complete the project,” Mr Mugambi said.
On July 30, the Environment and Land Court in Meru suspended construction of the airstrip, State Lodge and golf course until five consolidated petitions are heard and determined.
Justice Oguttu Mboya granted conservatory orders in five petitions separately filed by activist Francis Awino, lawyer Mugambi Imanyara and four others, the East African Wildlife Society, the Green Belt Movement and JustAct, and the Meru Forest Conservation Forum.
Justice Mboya also set September 28 and 29, 2026, for the hearing of the consolidated petition.
At the same time, an application for contempt of court filed by Mr Awino against the Attorney-General, KFS, the Environment Cabinet Secretary, the National Land Commission, the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Speaker of the Senate will be mentioned on September 28.
Mr Awino has cited the six for contempt, alleging that they proceeded with the airstrip project despite interim court orders issued on June 10.
The respondents in the petitions include the County Government of Meru, the National Land Commission, the Kenya Forest Service, the Environment Cabinet Secretary, the National Environment Management Authority, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Speaker of the Senate and the Attorney-General.
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