Led by Harrison Kamwana, a former Multimedia University student leader and Kenya University Student Organisation (KUSO) official, the youth are angry following recent threats sent to residents of Marungu ward. [Photo/ Courtesy of HK]
Taita Taveta County youth have condemned alleged corruption in the county by some leaders concerning the ongoing compensation of people affected by the passage of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
Led by Harrison Kamwana, a former Multimedia University student leader and Kenya University Student Organisation (KUSO) official, the youth are angry following recent threats sent to residents of Marungu ward.
Through a letter given in person by area sub-chief and the District Officer (D.O), escorted by nine game rangers, the residents were only given 14 days to before being evicted.
Those given the letters said they would not obey anything as stated in the letter since it does not have a letterhead, stamp nor a signature to identify its origin.
"Residents are sick and tired of being threatened to evict from the area since 2011. I personally cannot take the letter seriously because of its nature (sic)," said one of the area elders, who requested to have his identity hidden.
Over 400 people who held an urgent meeting to discuss the matter in Maungu-Ndovuni village criticised local and county leaders who did not attend the meeting despite being invited, accused the area MCA and county KWS officials of being the 'masters' behind the eviction.
There are claims that 60 million had been set aside to compensate the residents who have been living in the area for over 10 years.
"Evicting these residents without compensating them it is a crime which we cannot watch it happen. We have reports that Sh60 million was given out to compensate those affected but some selfish leaders want to pocket the cash and forceful evict the residents," he said.
Speaking to the residents, Kamwana assured them of his full support during a demonstration which will paralyse transport along the busy Mombasa-Nairobi highway.
He also promised to join them on legal issues by hiring a competitive lawyer to battle the case which already is in court.
"I will, together with other self-less leaders, join you in court battle with a purpose of winning against corrupt, inhuman and selfish leaders who are behind the saga," said Kamwana.