Have the capacity to be the Mt Kenya spokesman, says Iria

The Mountain Journal 

Former Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria has rubbished a section of political leaders in Murang’a and Nyeri who are pressuring EACC to taint his image to block him from being the Mt Kenya spokesman.

He said he remains a strong person to be the Mt Kenya region political kingpins to guide the region.

Iria disclosed there five leaders in the two counties were working towards blocking him from ascending the regional kingpin position.

 In a press conference, the immediate former governor and Usawa Kwa Wote Party leader said a section of leaders were using EACC  to silence him, a move he will not succumb to.

"There are leaders surrounding President William Ruto plotting to sabotage my interest in Central Kenya politics,"he said.

 He disclosed that in January, he will be flying to Geveva to register Murang’a people to protest against Delmonte Kenya Limited continued use of the land where Kandara  people were violently displaced.

“ Am disappointed that during my time in office I resisted all the attempts to renew the Delmonte land leases. Am getting the leases renewed  as the Kandara people  continue with demand for the return of land their forefathers lost to the white settlers,” said Iria.

He further renewed his energies to fight for the introduction of Minimum Guaranteed Returns (MGR) for coffee, milk, rice,tea and other crops that politicians advocated in their elections.

He said he was disturbed that the political leaders have abandoned the farmers' interests.

He said from January he will move around the mountain to  spread public needs.

" Am planning to take matters pertaining to land, and water rights to Gevena to register public concerns, " said the former Governor.

He said Delmonte land issues will be taken for deliberation in Gevena to ensure residents rights  are respected. 

On matters pertaining to Delmonte Kenya Limited land, he said the community in Kandara has been fighting for the return of their ancestral land.

He said it was a pity that when he was in government objected to renewal of the land lease.

" There were alot of interests in the land but I am surprised that the lease was renewed against the people's interest" he disclosed. 

 www.themountainjournal.co.ke