A storm is brewing over plans by the government to hive off a section of Imenti forest in Meru County for construction of a State lodge, Golf Course and an airstrip.
Construction of a state lodge was one of President William Ruto’s campaign pledges in Meru, with the controversial process kicking off last year.
While Meru County Conservator Wellington Ndaka has maintained no part of Imenti forest has been hived off, opposition chiefs claim 200 acres of forest land are earmarked for allocation.
Last year, Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi said the government had secured 50 acres next to the Meru Agricultural Show grounds.
However, it is a recent visit by PS Mugambi, Meru governor Isaac Mutuma and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officials to Imenti forest that has sparked protests from conservationists, residents and opposition leaders.
Governor Mutuma, termed the project a strategic development initiative that will create jobs, promote tourism and boost the status of Meru town.
But Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, Jubilee Party deputy leader Fred Matiang’i, Party of National Unity (PNU) leader Peter Munya as well as the Green Belt Movement on Thursday vowed to block any attempt to annex the forest.
Speaking after meeting DCP aspirants from Meru at his Wamunyoro residence, Mr Gachagua called on conservationists to move to court as locals prepare for mass action.
"Imenti forest is a source of 47 streams which serve Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties in sustaining livelihoods. The people of Meru do not need a golf course or a state lodge. These are luxury projects that should not replace a forest," Mr Gachagua said.
Community members tend for a tree nursery at Kithoka in Imenti forest in Meru County.
Photo credit: David Muchui | Nation Media Group
"We have lost 144 people to banditry in Meru yet the President and his supporters consider another state lodge a priority. They are completely out of touch with the needs of the people," Mr Matiang’i said.
He accused President Ruto of ‘prioritising personal needs’ over the interests of Kenyans leading to a ballooned State House budget.
“Most of the State Lodges were built in the formative years of Kenya when there was no proper accommodation and transport across the country."
"Today, we have very good hotels where the president can be hosted. The president can travel from State House to any part of the country,” the Jubilee deputy party leader said.
Mr Munya said he would lead residents in resisting any attempt to hive off the forest terming it ‘a very fragile ecosystem and a critical water catchment’.
In a statement, the Green Belt Movement warned that issuance of special user licenses was being used to grab forest land.
“Forests are not vacant land waiting for powerful people to dream up luxury projects. Forests are living ecosystems.
They are water catchments. They are biodiversity reservoirs. They are climate shields. They belong to present and future generations of Kenyans.” It stated.
The lobby faulted the recent amendment to Section 56(2) of the Forest Conservation and Management Act saying it eases the allocation of forest land in the guise of public utilities.
“These projects are not necessities. They are luxuries. They are symbols of privilege. They have no place in a protected public forest…"
"We demand full disclosure of all plans relating to Imenti Forest, Kambakia Forest and the proposed developments.” The Green Belt Movement states.
However, Governor Mutuma dismissed those opposed to the projects arguing that the forest is not superior to the interests of the people of Meru.
“The trees were planted by the people of Meru. The projects will be implemented and any trees cut down will be replaced.
The Meru State Lodge will be the second biggest in the country and will create employment for 500 residents,” Mr Mutuma said.
Residents led by Musician Kamanu M'Tuamwari are mobilizing signatures for a public petition opposing the construction of the State lodge within Imenti forest.
Mr Kamanu said the government should acquire alternative land, away from the forest, for the luxury projects.
