Gachagua Raises Alarm Over Alleged Meru Forest Plans, Security And Health Concerns
News Updated: 04 June 2026 23:01 EAT
Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua during a press briefing in Meru
DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday addressed a press conference in Meru after an urgent meeting with party leaders from the county, where he raised concerns over what he described as a planned acquisition of part of Immenti Forest for the construction of a State Lodge and a golf course. He said the matter had prompted local leaders to summon him from Nairobi for immediate consultations.
“We have with us a big delegation of DCP leaders from my county who summoned me from Nairobi for an urgent meeting over several issues in Meru that could not wait and needed serious attention over the grabbing of 200 acres from Immenti Forest in Meru County to build a State Lodge and a golf course. The people of Meru do not need a State Lodge and they do not need a golf course because those are luxuries and not a priority.”
Gachagua argued that Immenti Forest plays a strategic environmental role and warned that any development affecting the ecosystem would have long-term consequences for residents and neighbouring counties that depend on its water systems.
“Immenti Forest is a water catchment area and a source of water for 47 springs and rivers serving Meru and neighbouring counties. If this water catchment area is interfered with, livelihoods will be destroyed. Meru is one of the most productive counties in Kenya and destruction of this ecosystem spells trouble for farmers, families and businesses that depend on agriculture.”
He called on President William Ruto to abandon any plans involving forest land and suggested that alternative land could be acquired if government facilities were necessary.
“We are calling upon President William Ruto that for the remaining period he does not need a State Lodge in Meru. There is already a State Lodge in Sagana and if there must be another facility, then government should buy land elsewhere and not destroy our forest. We are asking that this proposal be abandoned completely because it is not among the priorities of the people.”
The former Deputy President also urged residents and conservation groups to pursue legal and civic channels to challenge the alleged project, saying environmental concerns should be addressed through institutions.
“We have asked the people of Meru to write petitions to government and to the county administration and we have asked conservation groups to begin legal proceedings. If the situation escalates, leadership will have to consider stronger forms of civic action to resist destruction of this important water catchment area.”
Turning to security matters, Gachagua claimed residents in sections of Meru had continued experiencing insecurity and livestock theft and argued that more government attention should be directed to affected areas.
“The people of Meru North, Buuri and Tigania West have not known peace for years. Bandits have wreaked havoc and many families have suffered losses. Security operations should protect people and allow them to continue farming and rebuilding their livelihoods rather than creating further uncertainty.”
He further questioned recent security interventions and alleged that local communities had concerns about displacement and access to productive land.
“We have credible information that the evacuation and security operation may not be entirely informed by security strategy. The government should restore order and deploy enough resources to secure residents because people cannot continue living in fear and losing their livelihoods.”
Gachagua criticised national leadership over the security situation and urged stronger intervention to restore normalcy in affected regions.
“We are calling upon government to deploy sufficient security personnel to Meru to help restore sanity and protect lives. Communities cannot continue burying loved ones and watching economic activities collapse because of insecurity.”
The DCP leader also addressed reports surrounding a proposed Ebola-related facility in Laikipia and expressed opposition, saying residents had raised concerns and demanded more public engagement and transparency.
“The people of Meru do not want this Ebola centre anywhere near Meru and they do not want decisions made without addressing public concerns. Leaders from the region should speak and explain the situation because people are anxious and seeking answers.”
He concluded by shifting attention to party matters and declared that DCP would hold open nominations ahead of the next electoral cycle, encouraging aspirants to mobilise support and compete fairly.
“We want to assure aspirants that DCP will have free and fair nominations and nobody will be given preference. Meru is important to the party and candidates must work hard, market themselves and allow members to decide who carries the party flag in the coming elections.”
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FELIX MAKONA
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