MP dismisses coal mining deal

By PAUL MUTUA

Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo has threatened to move to court to block coal mining in Mui Basin, Kitui County.

The MP said unless residents’ wishes and interests are fully addressed, the mining will not go on smoothly. He noted it was improper for the Government to grant 30 per cent of proceeds from the extraction to a company named Great Lakes Company instead of residents.

Speaking at Kanyangi market in Kitui West Constituency after donating foodstuffs, Kilonzo said he will lobby for Parliament not to pass the Mining Concession Bill until locals are involved in mining projects.

“We demand the Government to tell us who is this Great Lake Company and how was it was granted the contract on behalf of local people? This is distasteful by all standards,” the MP protested.

He questioned how the company was selected to sell coal on behalf of the community. Fenxi Mining Company of China won the contract to extract coals from two blocks.

Findings in China

The legislator led a ten-member team in touring coal-mining sites in China at the invitation of Fenxi.

“Our trip to China was an eye opener on how coal mining is done and how local communities benefit,” Kilonzo said.

Kilonzo vowed to use provisions in the Constitution to block commencement of extraction of coal on behalf of Mui residents. But in a rejoinder, Government chief geologist John Omenge said he was surprised by the MP’s claims even before he briefs the ministry of their findings in China.

“We read mischief in the MP’s behaviour in addressing the media before presenting his report on the China trip to the minister for perusal. We need to act gently to avoid unnecessary conflicts,” he said.