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Development Should Never Overshadow  the People’s Will
www.theanchormedia.org

When a developer forges community consent and begins drilling operations under cover of a holiday weekend, we must ask — where are the watchdogs? Where is the accountability?

What is happening in Itimboni, Machakos County, is nothing short of an assault on environmental justice, public trust, and constitutional values.

Lambodat Cement Lukenya Limited, having failed to win over the community in its earlier attempt to set up a cement factory, is now drilling a borehole — allegedly without the proper licenses, without community approval, and with the help of questionable documents.

It is alarming that the company presented a letter falsely claiming community support, complete with signatures of individuals who don’t live in Itimboni.

Even more disturbing is the fact that a second letter, pushed by the area Assistant Chief and signed by non-residents, was used to reinforce this deception. This isn’t just a procedural misstep — it is a breach of public trust.

Despite repeated objections from residents, NEMA and the county government have remained silent. That silence has been taken as a license for impunity. The drilling commenced on the eve of Good Friday, when court intervention was unlikely, showing calculated intent to suppress resistance.

We ask: how did Lambodat Cement obtain an Environmental Impact Assessment report when the community categorically rejected both the cement plant and the borehole project?

Why has NEMA ignored the community’s letters, choosing instead to endorse the developer’s version of events?

Let it be clear: public participation is not a checkbox. It is a constitutional requirement. It is the foundation of inclusive development. No company, no matter how connected or ambitious, has the right to override the voices of the people.

We at The Anchor stand with the people of Itimboni. Their rights matter. Their health, their environment, and their consent cannot be sacrificed on the altar of profit. We call on the county government, NEMA, WARMA, and all relevant institutions to act swiftly:

• Suspend the borehole drilling immediately
• Investigate the forged letters and the officials involved
• Conduct a fresh, transparent Environmental Impact Assessment
• Restore community trust through inclusive dialogue

Itimboni is not just a project site — it is home to hundreds of  real people whose voices must be respected.

Any development that bulldozes over community will is not progress. It is a threat, not to democracy alone but also to human rights and lives. The Anchor stands with the people of Itimboni in this matter.

Let this not be another case where the people cry, and no one listens. Let justice be done.
www.theanchormedia.org

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