CDF official fired after mining spat

By RENSON MNYAMWEZI

A civic leader has been dropped from the Wundanyi Constituency Development Fund (CDF) committee in a move linked to a contentious iron ore deal in Taita-Taveta County.

Wumingu-Kishushe councillor Simon Mwadime, who is area MP Thomas Mwadeghu’s critic, was dropped by the legislator at a public rally.

Nominated councillor Pencera Kisomba, an ally of the legislator, has replaced him.

"From today, I have dropped Mwadime as a member of the CDF committee owing to conflict of interest. This is part of my decision to review the CDF board," Mr Mwadeghu told residents at Iriwa in Mbale location.

Yesterday, Mwadime claimed their differences with the MP arose from claims the latter was working with Taita-Taveta County officers to deny mining rights to residents of Kishushe location, which is rich in iron ore.

Speaking to The Standard, the civic leader said the area is endowed with enormous resources like iron ore but residents were living in abject poverty.

"The MP does not like politicians who criticise him. He only wants to work with sycophants," he said.

Awarded consent

He claimed that when he questioned how a local mining company had been awarded mining consent in the area, he became an enemy to the legislator.

"When I started inquiring how the mining company was given a licence without the authority of the land owners, I became subject of condemnation. The MP’s decision will not, however, deter me from fighting for the land rights of the electorate," he said.

There has been controversy over mining of iron ore deposits, with some residents accusing an unnamed local leader of imposing an investor on them.