Governor Wamatangi calls for investigations into Tatu City land dispute
This as Wamatangi wants Tatu City to cede ten per cent of their land for public use but Tatu City terms it as unconstitutional as it is a private developer and no laws compel it to comply with the provision.
In a statement written to EACC, DCI and the ODPP, Wamatangi noted that the Tatu City Management has been floating wrong allegations of extortion against him and Salome Wainaina, Kiambu's County Executive for Land.
Wamatangi argues that Preston Mendenhall, Group Chief Operating Officer at Rendeavour ( which owns and develops Tatu City) has continually attempted to malign his name by claiming that the Governor wants the land
In his defence, Wamatangi noted that the development consists of areas designated for public use which should be vested to the County Government according to the Physical and Land Use Planning Act 2019, a matter that was notified to Tatu City.
"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.
Wamatangi said that despite having held talks with the development management, Mendenhall still fingered the Kiambu County Government making the same allegations.
The governor now wants Mendenhall to provide evidence to his claims and present it to the aforementioned investigative bodies.
Tatu City management had earlier rejected an invitation by the Kiambu County Government to address concerns regarding delays in approving their revised plan for the land valued at Ksh.4.3 billion.
In a statement on July 16, Mendenhall explained that the meeting would not resolve any impending issues among them.
Mendenhall pointed out that the county government should instead purchase the intended 54 acres of land it wants and not expect a handover.
