The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
The newly opened Eco Solution battery assembly plant in Nyamathi Naivasha which has split area residents over its operations. Some residents are for the plant while a group of experts have dismissed a NEMA report that sanctioned the lead smelting factory. [Photo/Antony Gitonga/Standard]
Over 200 farmers raided a controversial lead factory in Naivasha, vandalising property as debate over the facility heightened.
During the incident, some of the youths involved in the raid escaped with over Sh1 million in cash, laptops, gas cylinders and other office equipment before police moved in.
Earlier, the irate farmers had blocked the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway near Nyamathi trading centre demanding the closure of the Ganesh Eco Solutions Company.
During the incident, police arrested three suspects and managed to recover one of the stolen laptops as investigations into the incident started.
One of the farmers, Isaac Kimani, accused some county officials of working with the management of the factory adding that they would not allow it to continue with its operations.
"We are living in fear due to this factory that deals with the poisonous lead metal and we have vowed that it shall not continue with its operations," he said.
An official from Nyamathi Mazingira Group, David Mwangi, said they had collected over 650 signatures from farmers opposed to the plant.
"We have literally gone to all Government and county agencies involved in environment over this factory but our pleas have been ignored," he said.
On behalf of Naivasha traders, Simon Kanyingi challenged the county government to issue a statement over the factory, which he termed as lethal.
"We shall not sit back and speak after people have died in Changamwe, Mombasa. It is time action was taken against this factory," he said.
This came as former Naivasha MP John Mututho threatened to go to court to stop the operations of the factory as he questioned an environmental impact assessment done by the National Environment Management Authority.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
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