A section of Meru residents has called for the resignation of Governor Mutuma M’Ithingia, Senator Kathuri Murungi, and Imenti North MP Rahim Dawood over plans to allocate part of the Imenti Forest Reserve for the construction of a State Lodge and related infrastructure.
In a statement issued on June 7, the Imenti Development Forum, a group comprising professionals, conservationists, farmers, and other residents, accused the three leaders of supporting or failing to oppose plans to excise 100 acres of the gazetted Imenti Forest Reserve for the development of a State Lodge, golf course, and airstrip.
The forum claimed that the proposed project poses a threat to the environment and undermines constitutional protections governing public forests.
“If the three do not have the conscience to resign, we call upon the County Assembly and the people of Meru to unite and prepare for impeachment and recall processes ahead,” the statement said.
The group singled out Governor M’Ithingia, accusing him of facilitating the proposed allocation of the forest land, while criticizing Senator Murungi for what it described as his silence on the matter. The forum also accused MP Dawood of supporting efforts to have part of the forest excised for development.
According to the forum, the proposed development would accelerate environmental degradation and worsen climate-related risks in the region by reducing the forest’s ability to regulate local temperatures and rainfall patterns.
“The proposed destruction of 100 acres of Imenti Forest to pave the way for a golf course, airstrip and State Lodge will undermine one of the region’s most important environmental assets,” the group stated.
The forum further questioned the need for a new State Lodge in Meru, arguing that the country already has the Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri County, which serves as a presidential retreat and is within easy reach of Meru.
Members also pointed to the proximity of Meru County to Isiolo International Airport, saying the facility remains underutilized despite substantial public investment. They argued that resources earmarked for the proposed airstrip should instead be directed towards completing and operationalizing the airport.
“The logical, fiscally responsible, and environmentally sound course of action, if improved presidential access to the region is the objective, is to complete and fully operationalize Isiolo International Airport rather than clear forest land for a new airstrip,” the statement said.
Among the demands made by the forum are the immediate suspension of plans to excise any portion of the Imenti Forest Reserve for the proposed developments, a comprehensive and independent environmental impact assessment, and a parliamentary investigation into the legal processes that led to the proposed project.
The group also called for any funds allocated to the State Lodge project to be redirected towards the completion of Isiolo International Airport, arguing that it would provide broader economic benefits to the region.
“We will pursue every legal avenue available. We will engage every constitutional body. We will not be silent, and we will not be moved. The forest belongs to the people of Meru. It belongs to Kenya. It is not the Governor’s to give away,” the forum said.
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