This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
On July 13, 2020, a land ownership dispute between Delmonte Kenya Limited and Kandara Residents Association in Kihiu Mwiri, Kenya, took an unexpected turn when US Envoy Kyle McCarter got caught in the middle.
During a relief food distribution exercise attended by Mr. McCarter, the issues surrounding the renewal of the lease between Delmonte and the residents emerged. The patron of Kandara Residents Association, PMG Kamau, claimed he was blocked from accessing the meeting before the food distribution.
Mr. Kamau accused politicians from Murang'a County of protecting the foreign fruit processors in total disregard to locals' valid sentiments. He claimed that Murang'a leadership was shielding the company despite serious claims of historical injustices meted on the Kandara residents.
The situation escalated when beneficiaries of the donations shouted, demanding that Kamau be allowed to access the meeting. The youth joined the MP and blocked Kamau's way and attempts to talk to the ambassador.
US Envoy Kyle McCarter called for honesty in solving the land row, advising politicians to stop politicking and instead help their electorate. He stated,
