Try Me- Moses Kuria To Wavinya Ndeti

Trade, Industry and Investments Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria has lashed back at Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, daring her to mess with his plans to evict squatters from public land in her county.

The verbal war between the two began when Kuria revealed that he plans to evict the squatters from the land that would be used to build an export-exclusive airport.

The comments drew sharp criticism from Ukambani leaders who condemned the CS, including Governor Ndeti.

"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 on his part promised to stage a march to protest the directive in court arguing that he was in possession of title deeds and court orders that led to the deal struck between the members of the community.

Kuria, on Thursday, November 10 during a forum by members of the Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), accused Ndeti of blocking the government's efforts to implement the manufacturing and export agenda.

He noted that it would be her fault in the event her county was left behind in terms of development because she was defending the actions of a few.

"When some counties are giving me land to do common user facilities, others are saying that they want to 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," he told her off.

Kuria noted that the evictions would be of benefit to the people, adding that he had so far received donations from three counties, including Laikipia, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nyeri.

He told President William Ruto that the land he was looking for from each county would help set up common user facilities including the land owned by the East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC).

On Tuesday, November 8, Kuria disclosed of plans by the government to construct an exclusive airport on idle private land, dedicated exclusively to cargo that would boost the export of horticultural products from the country.

According to him, the current airports serve passenger flights more than cargo flights, which pushes cargo exports to a specific time schedule.

President William Ruto addresses the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) at PCEA St. Andrews in Nairobi on November 10, 2022. /TWITTER.HUSSEIN MOHAMED