Residents of Gatundu, Kiambu County, have firmly rejected President William Ruto's proposal to construct a dam in Ndarugo, insisting that the government must first fulfill its Ksh 4.2 billion compensation owed to them before proceeding with the project.

These residents, affected by the construction of the Ksh 24 billion Karimenu II Dam in Gatundu North, voiced their grievances, emphasizing that they are still awaiting compensation even after a year.

During a visit to Gatundu North Constituency, Ruto urged Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi to coordinate the county government's efforts to allocate the owed funds to the affected residents.

Local politicians raised concerns that the Ndarugo Dam project would disproportionately benefit Nairobi residents over Gatundu constituents.

In response, President Ruto instructed Water Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to ensure that Gatundu North residents receive equitable benefits from the project, similar to their counterparts in Nairobi.

Ruto stated, "We have agreed with your leaders that in Karimenu, some residents have not received their compensation. They will be paid before the onset of El Nino. Water CS Wahome, please organize so that Karimenu residents can access the water."

"We also want the people in Gatundu North to have access to water from Karimenu. We are sourcing funds to make this possible. I'd like you to accept the water from Ndarugo. We are capable of building a dam so that Kamwangi residents can access water. But you have asked for compensation first."

"Yes," responded the residents.

The locals expressed their distress over the submersion of their homes and crops, including banana and maize plantations, due to the dam's water. They urged the President to address their concerns before launching any new projects in the area.

"Mr. President, please listen to me. These politicians are not telling you the truth. We have water at Ngethu, which is being used in Nairobi, but the people here don't benefit. We were given the Karimenu dam, and we still don't benefit from that water," one of the MCAs emphasized.