Contention builds over bid to sign coal mining deal

By PAUL MUTUA

KITUI, KENYA: Controversy continued to surround the coal project in Kitui County ahead of signing of the mining concession pact between the government and a Chinese firm in Mwingi Town today.

Some leaders allied to Jubilee coalition from the county asked Governor Julius Malombe to distance himself from the signing deal for what they termed fishy in the coal business.

County Assembly Minority Leader Alex Nganga cautioned Dr Malombe against fuelling dissent in his government by assenting to the “fishy” mining agreement.

“As the peoples’ representatives in Kitui County we are telling Governor Julius Malombe not to sign any coal mining deal until the Kitui County Assembly approves it,” said Nganga in a short message sent to The Standard.

Nganga warned that if the governor went ahead to sign in defiance, he will have betrayed the people who elected him.

“We need to know what is the take for the county and proper negotiations on land compensation should have the interests of people of the coal basin accommodated. Demarcations and title deeds issued to these people is the priority now. Any act of betrayal will be resisted,” said Nganga who purported to speak on behalf of majority opposed to the signing deal.

Discovery of a mineral in any region should be a cause for celebration. But some residents of Kitui, backed by their leaders, have expressed skepticism.

Deputy President William Ruto is expected to lead Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, senior officers from the ministry, governor Malombe and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka among other dignitaries to Musila gardens in Mwingi Town in signing the concession deal with Chinese’s Fenxi Mining Industry Company.

Mwingi Central MP Joe Mutambu, whose constituency owns blocks C and D, said the detractors of the project should keep off.

The Community Liaison Committee on Coal, headed by Law Society of Kenya Chairman Erick Mutua, who hails from the area, is opposed to the signing of the contract before some “itchy” issues are thrashed out.

Mui Ward Representative Stanislous Mulongo, a member of the community liaison committee on coal had earlier said the community and the committee were opposed to rushed signing of the mining contract.

Varied aspersions have been cast on Fenxi’s suitability in regard to its financial and technical capacity.