Kalonzo, Wetangula forced to change route by angry Embu residents

The opposition Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) co-principals Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetangula met a hostile crowd in Mwea area after residents blocked the road demanding an apology from Kalonzo for alleged politicizing the issuance of title deeds in the disputed 54,000 acre Mwea Trust Land.

While chanting Jubilee slogans, the residents, who were in their hundreds, opposed the CORD leaders’ plan to stop at the centre threatening to attack their convoy forcing them to flee.

The residents demanded that the CORD leaders respect them during their tour of Embu County.

They further warned them against discussing the issue of title deeds and other emotive issues such as land.

This forced the opposition leaders to change their route to avoid any possible confrontations.

The CORD duo started their tour in Embu Town before proceeding to Kianjokoma, Kiritiri, Makima, Gategi, Karaba and later at the VIAI junction.

In Makima, Gategi and Karaba, the former Vice President urged the President not to issues title deeds in the area since the process was flawed and was meant to drive the Kamba community out of the area.

According to Josephat Maina, a resident of the area, Kalonzo was only out to politicize the issuance of the title deeds in the area despite the fact that they have been waiting for the last forty years to get the documents.

Maina further accused Kalonzo and the area MP, Mutava Musyimi, of moving to court to frustrate the issuance of the documents despite Embu County Government and the National Land Commission completing the land adjudication process and allocation of title deeds.

The residents now say that they are ready to go to any length to protect the legacy of President Uhuru Kenyatta warning Kalonzo against inciting area residents who have been living in harmony for decades.

Mwea ward is dominantly inhabited by the Kamba, Kikuyu and Mbeere sub tribes and have been conflicting over the demarcation of the 54,000-acre Mwea Trust Land.