Youth invade former Del Monte land, halt construction of county hospital

The former Del Monte lands are now under the control of Murang'a County Government. [File, Standard]

A contingent of police had to be called in to disperse youths who were erecting structures on the former Del Monte lands now under the control of Murang'a County Government.

A section of members of the Kandara Residents Association Friday invaded Del Monte Kenya Limited land earmarked for the construction of a level five hospital.

In the ensuing melee, two were arrested, and a truck delivering construction materials was intercepted alongside a personal car.

"I'm warning the youth to avoid being misled by individuals purporting to claim that the land is under the fruit processor to subdivide among themselves," said Murang'a County Police Commander David Mathiu.

Paul Kamande, who claimed to be the leader of the youth, said they moved into the land after the county government continued building the health facility despite a Court of Appeal order restraining any activity being undertaken.

Patron of the Association Kibiru PMG Kamau said there was a need for Governor Irungu Kang'ata to adhere to the rule of law and stop the construction.

The matter surrounding the land is before the National Lands Commission (NLC) and Parliamentary Committee on Lands.