Maragua Member of Parliament (MP) Mary Wamaua was on Monday, September 22, forced to flee Kimorori Grounds in Kenol, Murang’a County, after angry residents confronted her over ongoing development plans on the contested land.
In video clips circulating online, Wamaua is seen being shielded by her security detail, including a police officer, as residents charged toward her while chanting in protest. The legislator was accused of pushing government projects on the sports grounds despite repeated objections from the local community.
Residents expressed outrage over alleged plans to set up government offices and an affordable housing scheme on the field, which has long served as a vital sporting and recreational facility for local youth.
According to earlier reports, the Maragua NG-CDF committee allocated Ksh24 million in 2022 for the construction of sub-county headquarters, a modern court, and an ICT centre at the site. However, youth in the area have persistently resisted the project, accusing leaders of disregarding their needs.
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“We want to grow our talents, but now they are taking over this field; what will we do? Young people will turn to crime,” one resident lamented. “Sometimes we even have up to 15 teams training here daily. Where will they go if the government takes this field?”
Others suggested that instead of erasing the recreational space, leaders should prioritize improving existing facilities, such as adding washrooms and dressing rooms, to better support sports and community wellness.
“This field keeps our youth busy, helps them avoid crime and substance abuse, and gives them a chance to bond for mental health. Taking it away will leave a big hole in our society,” another protester remarked.
Despite the uproar, MP Wamaua has maintained that the project is both legal and necessary for the growth of Maragua. In an earlier interview with the Kenya News Agency (KNA), she dismissed claims that the land was being grabbed for housing projects.
“How can one grab the security powerhouse of a sub-county and construct their own houses? We are building government offices,” Wamaua argued, insisting that the development would go on as planned.
The standoff underscores growing tensions in Murang’a between government development priorities and residents’ demands for recreational spaces.
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