Arise Media 
BY MWANIKI MUGO
The Mbeere Council of Elders (NGOME) has issued a one-month ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate resettlement of 7,200 beneficiaries under the Mwea Settlement Scheme as per a court ruling.
Addressing the press in Mbeere South, the elders, led by Chairman Eston Nyaga, expressed frustration over delays in implementing the court order and warned that failure to act could trigger unrest.
They accused political leaders of interfering with the process for personal and political interests.
“The court ruled on this matter, and title deeds were issued. Why is the government dragging its feet?” Nyaga questioned, blaming senior county officials for pushing an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process instead of enforcing the ruling.
Governor Cecily Mbarire has defended the ADR process, saying it seeks to resolve grievances from dissatisfied parties following the 2019 land subdivision.
However, the elders dismissed this approach, insisting that ADR should only address conflicts between legal owners and illegal settlers.
Ben Kanyenji, another elder, accused the county government of politicizing the issue and ignoring multiple requests for dialogue. He faulted Governor Mbarire for failing to engage them, deepening their suspicions.
The elders also criticized local leaders for allegedly facilitating illegal settlements on the disputed land.
They sternly warned Makima Ward MCA Philip Nzangi, accusing him of disrespect and vowing legal action or invoking traditional curses if he persists.
Reaffirming their stance, the elders called on the Embu County Commissioner and the county government to implement the resettlement immediately.
They warned of unspecified consequences should the government fail to act within the given deadline.
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