Gov’t stops resettlement at Mwea Scheme after five shot

The government has suspended all activities at the Mwea Settlement Scheme in Mbeere South, Embu County declaring the area as a security zone.

This comes in the wake of ugly incidents where at least five people were Wednesday shot and injured by police after the residents opposed subdivision of the 44,000-acre piece of land claiming that some of them had been left out.

Embu County Commissioner Esther Maina urged the residents to avoid the settlement scheme until the government comes up with a lasting solution following skirmishes that have been witnessed in the last two weeks.

Ms. Maina, who had earlier chaired a security meeting at Kiritiri, on Thursday said the subdivision exercise had turned bloody, adding that the government would allow more blood shed over the land.

She said the scheme would remain a no-go-zone as police continue with patrols until all issues are resolved amicably.

The commissioner also warned those who have benefited in the sub-division of the land to keep off, adding that the government would not be answerable in case they are attacked for disobeying orders.

She further warned that politicians, who are said to be inciting the locals to oppose settlement of non-locals from other areas such as Kirinyaga and Embu counties, would be arrested.