In a developing standoff, Tatu City has declined an invitation from the Kiambu County Government to discuss the Tatu City Master Plan, citing allegations of extortion and misinterpretation of legal provisions by county officials. The invitation followed a press conference by Governor Wamatangi, who demanded an apology from Tatu City for accusations of extortion.
In a letter addressed to Ms. Salome Wainaina, the County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Housing, Physical Planning, Municipal Administration, and Urban Development, Tatu City’s Group COO and Country Head for Kenya, Preston Mendenhall, firmly rejected the meeting request scheduled for July 16, 2024. This response comes in light of Governor Wamatangi’s press conference on July 11, 2024, which was attended by fewer than 200 online viewers. During the conference, the governor demanded an apology from Tatu City with a deadline of July 14, 2024.
Tatu City has reported receiving tens of thousands of supportive messages from Kiambu County residents and businesses, reinforcing their stance against the governor’s accusations. Mendenhall emphasized that when investors generate KES 385 billion in investment and create 20,000 jobs within a few years, they should be thanked, not extorted.
“Frankly, Tatu City finds itself too busy to respond to the ravings of a governor,” Mendenhall stated in the letter.
The letter also highlighted a recent public event organized by Tatu City over the weekend, attended by 5,000 people, which utilized public utilities and amenities at Tatu City. The event, supported by numerous leading businesses, included health, wellness, music, and cultural activities for the community.
Additionally, Tatu City has been supporting local education by providing daily meals to 2,000 school children in Kiambu County and has delivered over 1.8 million free meals in the last decade. Primary school enrollment has increased tenfold, and the nutrition and exam results of the children have significantly improved. Over the weekend, Tatu City also renovated classrooms and created a sports pitch at a state primary school it adopted, addressing the needs of abandoned schoolchildren from Kiambu County.
Mendenhall pointed out the legal misinterpretations by the county officials and reaffirmed Tatu City’s commitment to the law. The letter concluded with a call for the immediate issuance of a letter of no objection from the Director General of Physical Planning, emphasizing adherence to legal provisions over personal interests.
