Governor Kibwana Collides with cartels over sand harvesting

By Onesmus Nzioka

MAKUENI, KENYA: Makueni County Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana has found himself on a collision course with cartels controlling sand harvesting, after he issued a decree to ban the activity in Makueni.

Kibwana had earlier issued the directive to pave way for a policy formulation on how to harvest the mineral, which has been shrewd by mega corruption, loss of lives and environmental destruction.

The cartels, majorly controlled by the sand transporters and loaders have blatantly defied Kibwana’s directive and are going about their business unperturbed.

The governor said the cartels have gone to the extent of issuing threats to him over the ban.

He has however promised to crack the whip on the cartels that have in the past clashed with the provincial administration, police and the local community, leaving hundreds of locals dead and others nursing life threatening injuries.

Property worth millions of shillings, including sand transporting Lorries has also been lost in the bloody conflicts witnessed from time to time.

“This is a matter we will collectively and potently deal with. Even if I am killed to have sand harvesting rationalized for the benefit of the people of Makueni, so be it,” said the governor in a response to the cartels’ threats.

He regretted that the sand transporters were paying the community and loaders peanuts while raking in millions in Nairobi, Athi River and Mlolongo markets.

“It is saddening that a 20-tonne lorry of sand pays Shs.700 to the county government, shs.200 to the loaders and less than Shs.1000 to the community while raking in between Shs. 30,000 and 40,000 in Nairobi,” said the governor.

“We cannot stop sand from going to Nairobi to build the city, but it must be done the way we want and one that assures us of adequate benefits,” he added