MAGUMU, Kenya — Residents of Magumu in Kinangop Constituency, Nyandarua County, on Monday blocked the busy Naivasha–Nairobi highway to protest plans by a private developer to establish a cemetery near Soko Mpya Market.
The demonstrators lit bonfires and erected barricades along the highway, disrupting transport as they demanded the immediate suspension of the project.
They argued that the proposed cemetery, planned on a 69-acre parcel at the gateway to Nyandarua County, would damage the area’s image and economic prospects.
“This is the face of our county. You cannot welcome visitors with graves,” one resident said during the protest, urging authorities to halt the project.
Concerns Over Land Use
Locals cited historical land records indicating the parcel was allocated to the public on January 1, 1960, under a 99-year leasehold.
They claimed the land was later acquired by private investors who now intend to convert it into a cemetery and develop a five-star hotel on the same property.
Protesters alleged the cemetery would operate under a lease model, with reports indicating a burial unit would cost Sh130,000 and a single grave would be leased for 50 years.
They argued the pricing model commercializes burial space in a manner that does not serve the broader community.
Residents instead proposed alternative projects they say would create jobs and spur local development, including a technical training institute or a modern market facility.
County Leaders Oppose Plan
The protests drew support from Nyandarua County officials, including County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands Stephen Mburu Kinyanjui, Magumu Ward MCA Hassan Ndungu, and Njabini-Kiburu Ward MCA Kiiru Gachomba.
The leaders opposed the development, terming it illegal and accusing the investor of bypassing mandatory public participation processes. They maintained that the original intention for the land was tree planting, not commercial burial grounds.
Kinyanjui said the county government was engaging relevant authorities to explore the possibility of repossessing the land.
“Once the land is returned to the county, we intend to establish an ultra-modern market and a potato processing plant to benefit residents,” he said.
As tensions simmer, the dispute underscores broader concerns over land ownership, urban planning and community rights in rapidly developing areas along major transport corridors.
Authorities had not indicated whether police would intervene further to prevent additional disruptions on the highway.
