Elected leaders in Kitui county yesterday boycotted a meeting convened by the area governor, julius malombe, that was to discuss exploitation of minerals in the county. the county commissioner, moffat kangi, also skipped the meeting. Kitui south mp rachel nyamai and nominated mp ben mutemi are the only elected leaders who turned up following the invitation. the meeting brought together the county’s professionals, business community and owners of land where the minerals are found. the forum aimed to develop mining policies and suggest legislation to guide the exploitation of minerals in the county including coal, limestone and iron ore. during the meeting, it was agreed that no officer or investor should be brought on board without the consent of local leaders. kitui county executive in-charge of environment, george mulatya assured locals that mining had not started in the mui coal basin.