This archive report was first published on 31 August 2019.
August 31, 2019 - Residents of Mai Mahiu in Naivasha are up in arms over an acute shortage of water in the area, which has been occasioned by poor management of a water project.
The project, sponsored by US Televangelist TD Jakes in 2005, was meant to address the acute shortage of water in the area but has ended up benefiting a few individuals.
Peasant farmers from four villages - Gathima, Maralo, Githima, and Kanairobi - have threatened to stop the project's operations until all residents equally benefit.
Speaking after a peaceful demonstration, the farmers warned of a looming humanitarian crisis as they trek for over 20 kilometers to get water, despite pipes from the project criss-crossing their farms.
Community chairman Robert Njoroge accused the area MCA of diverting water to their homes and cronies, saying, 'We are glad with the Televangelist who sponsored this project but our problem is that some people are swimming in the water as others die of thirst.'
Njoroge called on Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui to intervene and end their suffering, noting that only the powerful in the area had benefitted.
