Kiambu County Governor Kimani Wamatangi has urged for a swift investigation into the ongoing land dispute involving Tatu City. Governor Wamatangi is advocating that Tatu City cede ten percent of its land for public use. However, Tatu City disputes this, arguing that as a private developer, it is not legally required to comply with such a provision.
In a statement to the EACC, DCI, and the ODPP, Wamatangi addressed accusations from Tatu City Management, which have alleged extortion against him and Salome Wainaina, the Kiambu County Executive for Land. Wamatangi countered these claims, asserting that Preston Mendenhall, Group Chief Operating Officer at Rendeavour (the company behind Tatu City), has been attempting to defame him by suggesting that the Governor has intentions of claiming the land.
Wamatangi defended his position by citing the Physical and Land Use Planning Act 2019, which designates certain areas within developments for public use and argues that these areas should be transferred to the County Government.
“Consequently, it is the position of the law and that of the County Government in this issue, that all matters regarding the reservation and subsequent surrender of land for access, wayleaves, public purpose and public utilities in any comprehensive mixed-use development is not a subject of negotiation, and that such reservations and surrender MUST be done in compliance with all relevant laws,” said Wamatangi.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi has expressed frustration over ongoing allegations from Preston Mendenhall, the Group Chief Operating Officer at Rendeavour, regarding Tatu City’s land dispute.
Despite previous discussions with Tatu City’s management, Wamatangi claims that Mendenhall continues to accuse the Kiambu County Government of extortion. The governor is now demanding that Mendenhall provide evidence for these allegations and submit it to the relevant investigative bodies.
Tatu City management had previously declined an invitation from the Kiambu County Government to discuss concerns about delays in approving their revised land plan, valued at Ksh.4.3 billion.
On July 16, Mendenhall argued that a meeting would not resolve the issues and suggested that the county government should purchase the 54 acres of land it desires rather than expecting it to be handed over.
