One of the multi-billion development projects started by President Uhuru Kenyatta is now at risk after a group of elders moved to court, seeking orders to block its implementation.
The elders, drawn from nine counties near the proposed Itare Dam located in Kuresoi North, have now consolidated one case that will be heard by the Nakuru Environmental and Land Court.
The petitioners had wanted the case heard at the Kisii court as it dealt with the upstream effects of the project but the judge directed that they should join hands with the other group of elders who have filed another case in Nakuru which deals with the downstream effects of the dam.
“I have consulted my colleague in Nakuru and actually asked the judge to refer the matter to the Chief Justice to constitute a three-judge bench so that the matter can be heard conclusively,” said Justice John Mutungi of the Kisii Court.
The Sh38 Billion Itare Dam Water project has become a hot political issue after politicians and residents raised issues over its sustainability.
President Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga have publicly differed on the fate of the mega project funded by the Italian government.
Odinga claimed that the project was an environmental disaster as it would divert water from the Mau tower to Nakuru and neighbouring towns at the expense of eight surrounding counties of Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Kisii, Nyamira, Kisumu and Homa Bay.
Kenyatta, on the other hand, accused the Opposition leader of inciting South Rift residents against the construction of the Itare Dam with arguments that it was meant to benefit those living in Nakuru.
“Nakuru is a cosmopolitan town and this water will not benefit one community but all the communities which reside in the town,” Kenyatta stated during a recent visit to the Rift Valley.
