Residents of Ndumumu protesting a move by some private investors to start drawing water from Ndumumu Dam, fearing that the water source could dry up. Photo by Virginia Siebella. 
By Virginia Siebella
Residents of Ndumumu, located on the border of Kathiani and Mwala sub-counties in Machakos County, are protesting against a move by some private investors to start drawing water from Ndumumu Dam, fearing that the water source could dry up.
According to the residents, who held demonstrations to oppose the move, the dam has been their lifeline since 1993. They say they have carefully preserved it and relied on its water for livestock and small-scale farming.
Led by Caroline Katio, the residents stated that they have coexisted peacefully but accused certain individuals of disrupting their stability by extracting large amounts of water for commercial sale.
The situation comes at a time when several parts of the country are battling drought. The dam, which lies between Kathiani and Mwala constituencies, serves more than 2,000 residents.
Another resident, Eunice Mutua, vowed that the community will not allow the move, insisting that the water should only be used for domestic purposes and irrigation of nearby farms.
Timothy Kima, a resident who says he played a leading role in the construction of the dam, questioned why individuals seeking personal gain would attempt to take away a valuable community resource.
Damaris Munyao expressed fears that continued large-scale water extraction would cause the dam to dry up, leaving residents without a crucial water source.
The dispute has prompted Kathiani Deputy County Commissioner Mary Kamau to convene an emergency meeting with residents. She assured them that those accused of extracting water had removed their pumping equipment from the river.
However, the accused parties, speaking via phone, admitted removing the pumping equipment but questioned why some people are allowed to use the water while others are restricted.
