Three groups claiming to represent local community in Athi River, Mavoko Sub County have denied grabbing a piece of prime land belonging to East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC).
Syokimau Mavoko Community Association, Kathama Welfare Association and Lukenya West Self help Group now want the cement manufacturer to exonerate them from a 'blanket condemnation' implied by Machakos governor Alfred Mutua who last week warned 'illegal occupants on the land to immediately vacate'.
The governor had raised a red flag and invited the Ethics And Anti corruption Commission in writing to launch urgent investigations into possible grabbing of land belonging to EAPCC.
But the three groups led by their chairmen Pius Musembi, Peter Mwambia and Benedict Nzeki respectively have come out guns blazing claiming the land under which members sit is under no dispute.
Addressing the media on Tuesday at Kitengela, the leaders invoked recommendation captured in a report by a taskforce on irregular appropriation of public land and the squatters’ problem in Athi River.
They, however, challenged EAPCC to come clean on whether it is aware of any negotiations for acquisition of the said parcel of land.
"We are neither squatters, nor grabbers. We are members of the local community that for a long time has been in discussion with EAPCC to acquire the land in question for which it has exhausted mining operations," said Mr Musembi.