Five nursing gunshot wounds in Mwea Settlement Scheme fight

At least five people are nursing gunshot wounds following confrontations between security enforcement agencies and squatters at Mashamba neighborhood in Mbeere South, Embu County.

Tension remains high within the controversial Mwea Settlement Scheme with fears of full blown wars between beneficiaries of the already allocated parcels of land and squatters who have been left out of the just concluded demarcations of the 44,000-acre scheme.

Running battles characterized by stone throwing and gunshots to keep off squatters continued for the better part of Wednesday as security forces attempted to escort beneficiaries to secure their parcels of land.

Those opposed to the exercise put up resistance, vowing that nobody would be allowed into the scheme until the concerns of those who have settled there for decades are addressed.

Pius Musau, alongside four other victims, were taken to White Rose health facility in Gategi, Karaba for first aid before being transferred to a nearby hospital.

Mbeere Council of Elders Chairman, Eston Nyaga expressed concern at the turn of events noting that it might be untenable even for the beneficiaries to settle in Mwea unless contingency security measures are enforced.

Hundreds of beneficiaries camped at Mashamba shopping centre the whole day but could not be shown their parcels of land as a result of brutal animosity displayed by opposing sides who engaged police in running battles.

Mbeere South OCPD Ahmed Mohammed and Deputy County Commissioner Beverly Opwora were unreachable for comment on the matter.