Wamuzi News Ke
Maragua MP Mary Wamaua was chased away by angry residents at Kimorori Grounds in Kenol on Monday afternoon, after locals expressed fury over government plans to convert the beloved sports field into a sub-county headquarters and offices. What started as a public forum ended in confrontation—videos show the MP being hurried out of the grounds by security under loud jeers.
Explosive Clash Over Kimorori Grounds
Residents accused the MP and local authorities of moving ahead with plans to develop the field despite open opposition. The grounds, they say, have been a space for youth training, sports and communal recreation for years. The proposal includes building government offices, an ICT centre, and a court block—projects they argue will erase the only open, affordable space for sports and gatherings in the area.
“Young people from this area train here, that is our safe place after hustles,” one resident said. “If you take that away, where will we go?” Another said the field helps with mental health, social cohesion, and deters youth from crime.
MP Insists Project Will Proceed
Despite the backlash, MP Mary Wamaua insisted the project has been properly approved. She stated the land was legally earmarked for public offices, not affordable housing or private development. “We are building government offices,” she declared, rejecting claims of land grabbing.
Local youth leaders, however, demand alternative sites for the offices so that the Kimorori facility can remain a public sports and recreational hub. They say they want recreational infrastructure like dressing rooms, washrooms, and better lighting—not a full structural takeover.
Why This Incident Has Ignited Outrage
- Kimorori Grounds is deeply embedded in community life; it is more than just a sports field. For many residents, it’s the only space where children and youth can play and gather freely.
- The scale of the proposed buildings threatens to privatize or limit access to a public good.
- Poor prior consultation: Many say community voices were ignored in the planning process, fueling perceptions that decisions are being imposed rather than negotiated.
- Emotions among youth are particularly raw—once the MP began speaking at the forum, the crowd erupted, shouting and advancing until security intervened to escort her out.
Political Tensions and Local Governance Under Fire
This incident comes amid wider concerns about how local projects are selected and implemented. Questions are being raised about:
- Transparency in NG-CDF allocations and whether funds set aside for development reflect community priorities.
- Accountability of local MPs to their constituents—especially in areas where public spaces are scarce.
- The balance between infrastructural development and preserving social spaces critical for youth welfare.
If public pressure continues to mount, MP Wamaua may be forced to halt or modify plans, or risk losing support among her base—particularly among younger voters who feel betrayed.
