February 25, 2015
Kenya

Wind power firm regrets shooting to death of teen

By MACHARIA MWANGI | Daily Nation | February 25, 2015 | www.nation.co.ke

The company putting up a wind-power plant in Nyandarua has expressed its regrets over the death of a teenager following protests over the implementation of the Sh13 billion project.

Kinangop Wind Park chief Executive officer James Wakaba termed the shooting as regrettable adding that they were monitoring the situation and would make their position clear after today’s meeting between the local leaders.

The teenager was reportedly shot as protesters stormed Magumu Police Post in an attempt to free nine of their colleagues who were arrested on Tuesday morning by the police on incitement charges.

Mr Wakaba said it was “in the company’s best interest” to undertake the project in a peaceful atmosphere, devoid of any protests by the community and the Persons affected by the Project.

“After the meeting by the local politicians and the community representatives we will advise the investor accordingly,” said the CEO.

He said the firm had carried out a comprehensive sensitisation campaign and addressed major concerns by the public, before deciding to go ahead with the implementation programme.

HEALTH HAZARD

Mr Wakaba dispelled fears that the project was a health hazard, saying they had adopted “world accepted standards,” when coming up with the project.

“The fears expressed by the residents are unwarranted. This is the cleanest form of energy,” he added.

Meanwhile, a family whose land the firm will set up a turbine has claimed that they had not been party to the talks, despite being among those affected by the project.

“One of the turbines is set to be erected on our farm, but we have never been approached by anyone,” claimed the family members.

The family called for thorough vetting of all claimants alleging that some of those listed as affected persons were actually “masqueraders” adding that it had delayed compensation of all affected persons.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/02/25/wind-power-firm-regrets-shooting-to-death-of-teen/