Church elders from P.C.E.A Kambui parish have defended the church against land grabbing accusations.
The land grabbing accusations were leveled against the church by some residents from Ngenia village, Githunguri Sub County.
Led by elder Fredrick Kabira, they said the church has legitimate documents to support ownership of a plot measuring 0.22 hectares.
Joseph Manyeki, Joseph Ng’ang’a and Boniface Kanja have written to the National Land Commission in Kiambu to intervene.
The trio alleges that the plot where a permanent nursery school is built is a public land.
They have since put a caveat.
Kabira said the church followed due process before it was issued with a title deed sixteen years ago.
“The land was formally leased to us by the defunct Kiambu County Council. I am a retired teacher and I know the value of education. The church belongs to the community and we cannot steal from the same community.” Kabira said.
The elders said the three are masquerading as representatives of the community for selfish gains.
A title deed number GITHUNGURI/KIMATHI/698 seen by the Hot News was issued to the Presbyterian Foundation as Trustees of Kambui Parish on May 26 2003.
Kiambu County Council is indicated as the previous owner of the land.
“The parcel was allocated to the church under MIN.KCC/1/1999 after a resolution by an ordinary full council meeting that was held on April 29, 1999.” said Kabira.
Kambui presbytery is the sponsor of P.C.E.A Kambui Girls High School, Gathirimu Girls High School,Mitahato secondary school, Kambui School for The Deaf among others.
The presbytery was founded by missionaries from Gospel Missionary Society who came to Kenya in 1899.
Former students of Kambui girls include former president Mwai Kibaki’s late wife Lucy Kibaki