"Ksh20 billion dam turns chaotic"
A meeting to discuss a Sh20 billion hydro-electric power and irrigation project in Kerio Valley ended in disarray...What initially started as a calm and well organised public participation meeting at Kipsaiya trading centre between residents and the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) turned ugly after the wananchi suddenly became hostile...
At the start of the meeting, KVDA managing director David Kimosop and his key officials introduced themselves and took the locals through an awareness programme before opening the floor for public representatives to give their views. But to their consternation, the locals hurled abuse at the authority, claiming it had engaged brokers on behalf of the community whose land will be affected by the multi-purpose dam. The agitated residents took Mr Kimosop to task, accusing his agency of taking people posing as residents’ representatives for a retreat.
Residents’ representatives Thomas Kiyeng, Barnabas Kisang, Paul Cherisei warned Mr Kimosop to be careful when dealing with matters involving land and compensation, saying these concerned their lives, that of their children, ancestors and livestock.“Bwana MD, what are these crates of soda and loaves of bread for? You brought these things to buy our support. Sorry, we can’t take them,” said Mr Kiyeng. “You have started on the wrong footing. We heard that you were in Kerio Valley and at the African Inland Church Cheptebo conference centre and we know what happened there. Do you think our land that you have been talking about does not have owners?” he fumed
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