The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has strongly condemned a government-backed project involving the clearing of indigenous trees at the Watamu Chief’s area, terming it unconstitutional, environmentally destructive, and a direct violation of community rights.
The party says the site is the only remaining public recreational green space and the last small forest within Watamu town, making its destruction a serious threat to environmental sustainability, public health, tourism, and community well-being.
In a press release sent to newsrooms, LDP Party Leader Ms. Rosemary Asimba said the project blatantly violates the Constitution of Kenya.
“This action is a direct violation of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. Article 42 guarantees every Kenyan the right to a clean and healthy environment, while Article 69 places a duty on the State to protect, conserve, and sustainably manage natural resources,” said Ms. Asimba.
“What is happening in Watamu is unconstitutional, unjustified, and unacceptable.”
Ms. Asimba warned that the destruction of the green space threatens not only the environment but also the social and mental well-being of the Watamu community.
“Trees are life. They sustain ecosystems, regulate climate, protect public health, and safeguard the dignity and survival of both present and future generations,” she said.
“Any so-called development that destroys indigenous trees without sustainability, consultation, or justification is not progress—it is destruction.”
Climate Change and Legal Contradictions
LDP described the project as retrogressive in the context of climate change, noting that it contradicts Kenya’s obligations under the Climate Change Act, the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), and international climate agreements.
LDP National Chairman, Engineer Blamwel Wanyalikha, said the project undermines Kenya’s climate leadership.
“At a time when the country is grappling with the effects of climate change, clearing indigenous forests is both irresponsible and dangerous,” said Eng. Wanyalikha.
“Forests are natural carbon sinks. Destroying them weakens our climate resilience and contradicts national and international climate commitments.”
Protection of Indigenous and Community Heritage
LDP emphasized that indigenous trees are part of Kenya’s national and community heritage and must be preserved.
Secretary General Dr. Denise Kodhe said erasing such heritage undermines environmental justice.
“Indigenous trees are not obstacles to development; they are part of our identity and shared heritage,” Dr. Kodhe said.
“Destroying them for short-term or poorly planned projects undermines environmental justice, cultural identity, and intergenerational equity.”
Violation of Public Participation Principles
The party also condemned the lack of meaningful public participation, saying the process violates Article 10 of the Constitution and provisions of the County Governments Act.
“Public participation is not optional. It is a constitutional requirement,” Dr. Kodhe added.
“Communities must be involved in decisions affecting public land and shared resources.”
Allegations of Political Intimidation
LDP disclosed that it has received credible intelligence reports and complaints from residents alleging that certain political leaders—including Hon. Matumbo, the area MCA, and Hon. Owen Baya, MP for Kilifi North—are allegedly being used to intimidate or induce dissenting voices to weaken community resistance.
While calling for independent investigations, LDP Executive Director Nickson Kimeta warned against abuse of power.
“If these actions are proven, then they amount to a grave betrayal of public trust,” said Kimeta.
“Leaders are elected to protect community interests, not to intimidate citizens or facilitate environmental destruction.”
Threat to Tourism and Livelihoods
LDP noted that Watamu’s status as a globally recognized tourist destination is inseparable from its natural environment.
“Destroying the last public green space in Watamu threatens tourism, local livelihoods, and the ecological balance that sustains the town,” Kimeta added.
The Liberal Democratic Party has called for the immediate suspension of all activities related to the clearing of trees at the Watamu Chief’s area.
Ms. Asimba demanded transparency and accountability from authorities.
“We demand that the government immediately present the Environmental Impact Assessment conducted for this project,” she said.
“We also call upon NEMA to urgently pronounce itself on this matter.”
LDP reaffirmed its solidarity with residents of Watamu and announced plans for a public rally.
“As the Liberal Democratic Party, we guarantee the people of Watamu that we shall stand firmly with them in defending the environmental integrity of this area,” Ms. Asimba said.
“We will hold a public rally at the site on 29th December to rally behind residents and stop this act of impunity.”
“Watamu’s environment is not negotiable. It must be protected—for today and for generations to come.”
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