Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has demanded an apology from Nation Media Group over an article touching on a Ksh2 billion piece of land in Loresho. The outlet, in its Sunday Nation lead story titled ‘Two governors caught up in sh2bn land row’, published a story narrating the intrigues behind the acquisition of the parcel of land in Loresho, in which multiple tycoons were mentioned. The story indicated that three titles had come to the fore, laying claim to the parcel, two of which were dismissed as inauthentic.
In her letter, however, the Embu Governor, who clarified her stance in the story, detested her portrayal in the headline and the use of her likeness. She further explained that her involvement in the case was when one of the accused reached out to her to help him gain an audience with a Ministry of Lands official.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire directs county offices to buy tea leaves from local factories. Photo: The Star
“In its own words, the Sunday Nation corroborates my position that I did reach out to Mr. Korir (Nixon, the PS for lands) a few months ago, asking if he could give (the accused) an audience on the matter. I did try to get Mr. Korir to hear (the accused’s) side of the story and then make a fair decision,” she explained.
“From the story, it is further apparent that all the involved parties, who exclude myself, are in court over the matter. It is therefore appalling for the Sunday Nation to carry such a sensational headline that I am caught up in the land row, yet I provided my position and clarified that I am not part of the complicated case and I have no personal interest in the matter.”
Cecily Mbarire speaks during a past rally
“I therefore demand a retraction of the headline and an apology from the Sunday Nation for misreporting facts and misleading the public, which defames my name,” Mbarire demanded.
The accused, a former Nairobi Provincial Commissioner, was released on Monday, March 25, on a cash bail of Ksh5 million or an alternative of a Ksh10 million bond. He was accused of defrauding a businessman during a land transaction in Loresho, which he denied.
