Gilgil Member of Parliament Martha Wangari has faulted the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) for failing to compensate locals in the area despite their farms being affected by the transmission project in the area.
Addressing media in Kiambogo, Elementaita Ward on Wednesday after locals held a peaceful demonstration against the transmission company, the MP noted that the company has continued with the project despite having not reached an agreement with locals on matters compensation.
According to the Legislator, the law is very clear on compensation and the company must adhere to the same since locals had already ploughed their farms and even some of them already planted crops.
The vocal Jubilee Legislator added that she will stand with the locals in the area to ensure the project does not go on until there is full compensation.
“I stand with my constituents to ensure that this project does not go on until the company compensates them. Let them have a sitting with the locals and reach an agreement failure to which the project will not go on” said Wangari.
The farmers from Elementaita are accusing the company of failing to compensate them before undertaking the multi-million project.
Led by Mr. Samuel Githaiga, they are disappointed that Ketraco has commenced the project in the area without involving the locals who are the owners of the farms.
“This is a major government project but we are disappointed that as locals we were not involved,” said Githaiga.
Similar sentiments echoed by area Community Chairman James Gicheru who called claimed the money that was meant for compensating the farmers might have ended in some individuals’ pockets.
He called on the Director of Criminal Investigations to step and investigate the same so that the farmers whose farms were affected may get compensation.
“We are afraid some of this money might have ended in the pockets of some few. We are therefore calling on the DCI to investigate” said Gicheru.
Area MCA who is also Majority Leader in the County Assembly of Nakuru Moses Ndung’u on his part called on the government through the Ministry concerned to ensure the matter is solved and the farmers are compensated.
While reiterating that the locals are not against the project, MCA Ndung’u said the law on private property is very clear and that Ketraco must adhere to the same.
“We are condemning the move taken by Ketraco and we call on the government through the relevant Ministry to ensure farmers are compensated,” said MCA Musa.