MPs now intervene in Maella land crisis

Ten MPs now want the recent acquisition of over 3,000 acres by KenGen from a co-operative in Naivasha cancelled.

The MPs termed the acquisition as null and void, adding that members of Ng'ati Farmers Co-operative Society, a land buying company from Maella, Naivasha, were not involved in the sale. The move could derail construction of Olkaria IV power plant on the land which has high potential of geothermal power.

The MPs led by Naivasha MP John Kihagi visited Maella, which has experienced violence in the past three weeks over leadership of the co-operative.

In the period, property belonging to the company's directors has been destroyed, learning paralysed in schools and 30 people arrested.

Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu said Parliament will ensure the deal between KenGen and the co-operative directors is canceled.

"The directors sold the land without consulting the members," he said. Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wa termed the land deal as illegal. Other MPs present were Samuel Gichigi (Kipipiri), Wanjiku Wamuhia (Nyandarua), Samuel Mathenge (Gilgil), John Waiganjo (Oljolook), Stephen Kinanyajui (Kinangop), Kimani Ngunjiri (Bahati) and Waihenya Ndirangu (Roysambu).