Protest Erupts in Magumu Over Controversial Private Cemetery Plan
The demonstrators opposed the developer’s plan to establish the cemetery on a 69-acre parcel of land situated at what they described as the gateway to Nyandarua County. They argued that the project would tarnish the area’s image due to its proximity to the highway and instead called for developments that would directly benefit the community, such as a technical training institution or a modern market
By : Mweru Mbugua
Residents of Magumu in Kinangop Constituency, Nyandarua County, staged protests on Monday against a proposed private cemetery near Soko Mpya Market, blocking the busy Naivasha–Nairobi highway with barricades and bonfires as they demanded the immediate suspension of the project
The demonstrators opposed the developer’s plan to establish the cemetery on a 69-acre parcel of land situated at what they described as the gateway to Nyandarua County. They argued that the project would tarnish the area’s image due to its proximity to the highway and instead called for developments that would directly benefit the community, such as a technical training institution or a modern market
According to documents cited by residents, the land was originally allocated to the public on January 1, 1960, under a 99-year leasehold. They claim it was later acquired by private investors who now intend to convert it into a cemetery and construct a five-star hotel on the same property
Protesters further alleged that the cemetery would operate under a lease model, with reports indicating that a burial unit would cost Sh130,000 and graves would be leased for a period of 50 years
Nyandarua County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands Stephen Mburu Kinyanjui, accompanied by Magumu Ward MCA Hassan Ndungu and Njabini-Kiburu Ward MCA Kiiru Gachomba, joined residents in opposing the development
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The county officials termed the move illegal, accusing the investor of bypassing mandatory public participation requirements. They maintained that the land had initially been earmarked for tree planting and not for commercial burial grounds
Kinyanjui revealed that discussions are underway to have the land reverted to county ownership. He added that, should the county repossess the property, plans are in place to establish an ultra-modern market and a potato processing plant to boost local economic activity
