Makima Catholic Parish administrator in Embu County Father Nicholas Makau has warned of possible clashes between rivals’ groups contending over ownership of the disputed 44, 000-acre Mwea Settlement Scheme.
This is after the Ngome Council of Elders from Mbeere Community two weeks ago threatened to invade and forcefully take over the scheme they claim to be their ancestral land.
Ngome elders said they will mobilize young people, commonly referred as Gen Zs, to join their takeover bid on October 17 which has irked communities in occupation who are said to be already arming themselves to thwart the move.
Father Makau said the threats should not be taken lightly by law enforcement agencies as they could lead to a scenario similar to clashes that took place during the botched settlement exercise by the Government in 2018 that led to the death of one person while scores were injured.
Speaking on Sunday when he celebrated Mass at Mashamba Catholic Church, Father Makau said anxiety has heightened in the area in the light of the looming invasion and called on the Interior Ministry to move with speed to avert potential bloodshed.
“From what I have gathered, residents here have started preparing and we could witness a repeat of 2018 clashes if no mitigation measures are put in place immediately,” he said.
He accused the Government of remaining silent as the dispute surrounding the scheme ownership continued to deepen.
“It is high time that the Government steps in and finds a lasting solution to this dispute that has lasted for over 50 years,” he said.
“Why should we keep discussing this matter year in, year out, with no end in sight when we have both the County and National Governments in place.”
By Samuel Waititu
