The national government has overruled Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru in a contest for a 100-acre piece of land in Mwea, Kirinyaga County.
Waiguru is said to have refused to hand over the land's ownership to the institution until her conditions were met.
However, the Ministry of Lands Principal Secretary, Dr Nicholas Muraguri, is said to have issued the title deed to KEMRI, notwithstanding that the Kirinyaga governor had the original document.
The document that Waiguru holds is now said to hold no water as reported by K24 Digital.
Mwea MP Wachira Kabinga told the publication that he was glad the legal ownership of the land which had been contested for one year had come to an end.
“Now, KEMRI has legal ownership of the land, and very soon, you will see construction work beginning,” Kabianga stated.
KEMRI intends to build a level five hospital, university, a medical supplies factory and a medical research centre at Wamumu area in Mwea, all valued at Ksh15 billion.
The institution's breakthrough came months after Principal Secretary (PS) Karanja Kibicho claimed that Waiguru was out to sabotage a project by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) by failing to facilitate the transfer of the piece of land.
“The governor’s decision to sabotage the project is sheer stupidity that should not be allowed to continue. I am shocked that your governor is opposed to the KEMRI project, which will go a long way in boosting the economy of Kirinyaga County.
“It is stupid and foolish of one to oppose such a viable project that, upon completion, will be very important to the people of the county that she leads,” he stated.
In response, Waiguru inquired what Kibicho's personal interest in the matter was and accused the PS of engaging in village politics.
“Is PS Kibicho now superior to the president? What is his personal interest in the matter?
"If PS Karanja Kibicho wants to engage in village politics and insults he can resign and join others in early campaigning. In the meantime, can he concentrate on the difficult task of ensuring internal security including in the turbulent parts of the country,” wrote Waiguru on Facebook.
