Trade and Industry Cabinet Moses Kuria has dared Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti to interfere with his plan to vacate squatters from public land in her county.

Kuria, on Thursday, November 10, told members of the Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) accused Ndeti of being a hindrance to the government's plans to implement the manufacturing and export agenda.

The CS maintained that the eviction push would benefit the people and that she would shoulder the blame if her county was left behind at the expense of defending a few individuals.

President Wiliam Ruto during the KNCCI AGM at St Andrews PCEA on Thursday, November 10, 2022. PSC

"When some counties are giving me land to do common user facilities, others are saying that they want to do encourage squatting on public land and that difference will start to show.

"I am not in a mood to fight, I have fought enough in my life, but when counties which have taken the wrong turn in the manufacturing and export agenda start to lag behind others, do not blame it on witchcraft," Kuria stated. 

The Trade boss disclosed to President William Ruto that he had so far received land donations from three counties including Elgeyo Marakwet, Laikipia and Nyeri.

He explained that the land he seeks from each county would be used to establish common user facilities including the land owned by the East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC).

The spat between Wavinya and Kuria began when he declared that the land would be used to build an export-exclusive airport.

She called out the CS for being arrogant on the matter and failing to engage the local leaders before making the decree.

"We as the people of Machakos are the ones who gave the community land which they used as a loan guarantee. We are not going to allow the evictions and we do not fear you," Ndeti stated.

Her sentiments were echoed by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and Azimio principal Kalonzo Musyoka who insisted that the squatters are the genuine owners of the land. 

Kalonzo vowed to lead a march to protest the directive in court as he had the title deeds and the court orders that saw the deal stuck between the members of the community.

Trade and Industry CS Moses Kuria addressing a delegation during the launch of the Green Triangle Cement on Tuesday,, November 8, 2022.

MOSES KURIA, By Paul Kurgat