Former DC among 5 injured in Mwea settlement scheme row

Mbeere South Deputy County Commissioner, Beverly Opwora (right), restrains a member of the public during a security meeting over the allocation of the Mwea settlement scheme in Embu County on March 12, 2018. A former DC among several people attacked with machetes on April 13, 2018 as they went to assess their land after receiving title deeds. PHOTO | CHARLES WANYORO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Former DC among beneficiaries who received title deeds in the 44,000 acre-land.
  • The attack victims were ambushed near Makima market where the land is located.

At least five people among them a retired District Commissioner have been hospitalised after being hacked with machetes as they assessed their land in the recently demarcated Mwea settlement scheme in Embu County.

Mr Ireri Ndong’ong’i was among the beneficiaries who received title deeds for the 44,000-acre land situated in Makima Ward, Mbeere South sub-County.

However, as he reached Mwanjo village about two kilometres from Makima market, he was attacked by a group of people armed with machetes and clubs, leaving him unconscious.

Mr Ndong’ong’i suffered deep cuts on his head, chest and abdomen and was rescued by a group of journalists who had gone to assess the situation after beneficiaries were allowed to visit the vast land.

Mr Cosmas Ndeti, an eye witness who saw some of the victims being ferried to the health centre, narrated with shock after seeing one of the victims of the brutal attack.

“His hand had been chopped off and he was in great pain,” Mr Cosmas Ndeti, an eye witness said.

He was rushed to the nearby Makima Health Centre where, with several other victims received first aid before they were transferred to the Embu Level V Hospital for treatment.

A contingent of anti-riot security officers led by Mbeere South Deputy County Commissioner Beverly Opwora and the area OCPD Ahmed Mohamed were at hand at Makima DO’s office coordinating security and rescuing of the injured.