A public engagement forum convened at Kimorori grounds in Kenol on Monday ended in chaos, with police forced to fire in the air and lob tear gas canisters after tensions boiled over between residents opposing and supporting the construction of government offices on the disputed grounds.
The forum, convened by the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), was meant to address rising concerns over the planned construction of Murang’a South sub-county offices, including an ICT hub and an ultra-modern court.
But even before the official 9 a.m. start time, tension was already high as youths opposed to the project began streaming into the venue as early as 7 a.m.
Matters escalated further with the arrival of the area Member of Parliament, Mary Wamaua, who has previously defended the construction.
Speaker after speaker took to the podium, with proponents and opponents of the project exchanging strong views.
The situation turned volatile after the arrival of the area MCA Warisper, the county government representative Gachucha Manoah, and the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs and NCIC commissioner and lawyer Wambui Nyutu.
It was at this point that police intervened, firing in the air and using tear gas to disperse the restless crowd. The MP’s aides were forced to whisk her to safety at the nearby Kenol Police Station.
Residents opposing the project argued that the grounds have long been a vital sports and recreation field, particularly for football, and accused the government of denying them an alternative venue.
“This is the only field we have used for ages to nurture our talents. If it is taken away, where will our youths go? We ask the government to consider putting up storey buildings within the empty spaces instead of grabbing the field,” said Paul Muciri, one of the youth leaders.
However, those supporting the construction maintained that the new offices would bring much-needed development to the region, including digital opportunities for the young people.
“These offices will house an ICT hub that will help us acquire skills and even get online jobs. This project is not about taking opportunities away but creating new ones,” noted Joyce Wambui.
Two weeks ago, youths had stormed the site and halted construction, demanding wider public participation.
MP Wamaua had emphasised that the land had already been earmarked for government offices, noting that the facilities would boost service delivery in Murang’a South.
Weighing in on the matter Lawyer Wambui Nyutu said she had come to deliver a court order issued by Murang’a Law Courts, as the youths had previously approached her to petition the matter on their behalf.
“I came peacefully to deliver a court order barring construction of any offices on the field. But when they saw us, they disappeared and brought disarray,” she said.
County government representative Gachucha Manoah also waded into the matter, urging leaders to listen to the concerns of the youth.
“As the county government, we have listened to the youth and we call on the MP to listen too. We are ready to give her alternative space for construction of the offices apart from Kimorori grounds.
“Even the current offices can be restructured vertically so as to take minimal space,” Manoah said.
By Florence Kinyua
