Govt warns of arrests as Kenyans 'play compensation game'

Rift Valley Regional Coordinator George Natembeya addresses the press in his Nakuru office on August 26, 2019. PHOTO | JOHN NJOROGE | NATION MEDIA GROUP.

What you need to know:

  • Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya said this noting that Kenyans seek compensation as soon as they get wind of government projects in their areas.
  • Mr Natembeya's remarks were on the backdrop of many demands by residents of Itare and Chemusus since the government initiated projects there.

  • He said the government cannot compensate people sitting on its land.

The government has warned people who coalesce around government-owned projects and issue conditions and ultimatums for the implementation.

Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya said this noting that Kenyans seek compensation as soon as they get wind of government projects in their areas.

“Others go to the extent of threatening to block the projects, insisting that they must be considered for jobs or compensation. This is getting out of hand and has affected many government projects," he said.

"We shall be arresting such people and charging them in court for obstructing the government from undertaking its projects."

INCESSANT DEMANDS

Mr Natembeya's remarks were on the backdrop of many demands by residents of Itare and Chemusus since the government initiated projects there.

In Chemusus, the people say the water they must benefit fromt he water project before anybody else does.

In Itare, some of those displaced by the construction of the Sh31 billion dam have been camping near the project asking the government to compensate them.

GOVT LAND

Mr Natembeya said the government cannot compensate people sitting on its land.

“This is a game played by Kenyans near government projects. We cannot watch as these scenarios play out," he said.

"We will not allow people encroaching on government projects and then start issuing ultimatums and conditions to these projects that in the end will benefit them and other Kenyans,” he said.