MANDERA—A legislator from Mandera County has sided with the locals who are up in arms against the governor for allegedly going ahead with the construction of an airstrip despite widespread objection.
Lafey member of parliament, Abdi Mute termed the project non-priority,saying locals have more pressing issues to deal with.
“As a weitan elected leader, I wish to expressly state that an airport is not a priority to the people of Mandera as there are more pressing challenges like water and health to name but a few,” Mute said on Friday.
He added that the, “The weitan community in particular has been grappling with inequalities in respect to resources allocation (development and human resources) at the county level.”
He called on governor Ali Roba to channel more resources to other projects “that will directly benefit the people.”
“I was out of the country on official government business,” Mute said after criticism mounted on Weitan leaders to make to stop the project.
Mandera East MP has opted to remain silent on the project despite repeated calls to object the planned airstrip. The deputy governor said he supports the project.
Elders from the contested area met last night to voice their anger and objection to the project, saying it will displace their livestock and lose grazing land.
“Our wealth is the goats, cows and camels we keep. If this land is fenced for airport, where will our livestock graze?” An elder posed in video seen by Kulan Post.
They said airport was first earmarked for Wargadud and later for Elwak where locals protested.
“It was only then that they decided to have it here,” another elder said.
The airport construction was launched by President Uhuru in 2017.
