Residents of Magumu in Kinangop Constituency, Nyandarua County, staged protests on Monday over plans by a private developer to establish a cemetery near Soko Mpya Market.
The demonstrators blocked the busy Naivasha–Nairobi Highway using barricades and lit bonfires, demanding the immediate suspension of the project.
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According to the residents, the proposed cemetery is set to occupy a 69-acre parcel of land strategically located at what they describe as the gateway to Nyandarua County. They argued that such a development would project a negative image of the area, particularly given its proximity to the main highway.
Instead, they urged the investor to consider projects that would directly benefit the community, including a technical training institution or an expanded market facility.
Dispute over land ownership and intended use
Locals cited land records indicating that the parcel was originally allocated to the public on January 1, 1960, under a 99-year leasehold arrangement. However, the land was later acquired by private investors who now intend to convert it into a cemetery and reportedly construct a five-star hotel on part of the property.
Protesters further claimed that the cemetery would operate under a lease model, with reports suggesting that each burial unit would cost Sh130,000 and individual graves would be leased for a period of 50 years.
County officials oppose project
Nyandarua County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Stephen Mburu Kinyanjui, joined residents during the protest, alongside Magumu Ward MCA Hassan Ndungu and Njabini-Kiburu Ward MCA Kiiru Gachomba.
The county leaders termed the project illegal, accusing the developer of advancing the plan without conducting mandatory public participation. They maintained that the original purpose of the land was tree planting and community benefit.
Kinyanjui revealed that discussions are ongoing to have the land reverted to the county government. He added that once repossessed, the county intends to establish an ultra-modern market and a potato processing plant on the site to spur economic growth in the region.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
