In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi calls for an investigation into Tatu City over a land dispute, seeking 10% of their land for public use, which Tatu City rejects as unconstitutional.
- Wamatangi and Tatu City COO Preston Mendenhall accuse each other of misconduct, with Wamatangi demanding evidence for Mendenhall’s claims of extortion.
Kiambu County Governor Kimani Wamatangi has called for a swift investigation into Tatu City over an ongoing land dispute.
Governor Wamatangi is pressing for Tatu City to allocate ten percent of their land for public use, a request that Tatu City deems unconstitutional, as it is a private developer and no laws require it to comply.
In a statement to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Wamatangi highlighted that Tatu City’s management has falsely accused him and Kiambu’s County Executive for Land, Salome Wainaina, of extortion.
He contends that Preston Mendenhall, Group Chief Operating Officer at Rendeavour (the company that owns and develops Tatu City), has repeatedly tried to tarnish his reputation by alleging that the Governor demands land.
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Wamatangi defends his position by pointing out that the development includes areas designated for public use, which should be transferred to the County Government as per the Physical and Land Use Planning Act 2019.
This requirement was communicated to Tatu City.
He emphasized that the law and the County Government’s stance mandate that land for access, wayleaves, public purposes, and public utilities in any comprehensive mixed-use development must be reserved and surrendered according to all relevant laws, without negotiation.
Despite previous discussions with Tatu City’s management, Mendenhall continues to accuse the Kiambu County Government of the same allegations.
Governor Wamatangi now demands that Mendenhall provide evidence for his claims and submit it to the investigative bodies mentioned.
Earlier, Tatu City’s management declined an invitation from the Kiambu County Government to address concerns about delays in approving their revised plan for land valued at Ksh.4.3 billion.
In a statement on July 16, Mendenhall stated that the meeting would not resolve any pending issues, suggesting that the county government should purchase the 54 acres of land it desires instead of expecting a handover.