Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu is of the view that politicians opposing mining are keen on perpetuating poverty in the county.
Ngilu described this "clique of leaders" as lacking vision.
"They have become full of themselves after earning a salary for their legislative duties. They have no feeling for the lowly and poor Kitui people who will benefit from mineral exploitation," she said on Sunday.
She addressed
a consultative meeting with livestock keepers and merchants from
the county at the Agricultural Training Centre in Kitui town.
Ngilu, who did not name anyone, said that with the support of residents, minerals "in all corners" of Kitui will be exploited as naysayers have no control over land owners.
Mwingi Central MP Gideon
Mulyungi, in whose area blocks C and D of the Mui coal basin are found, recently spoke against Ngilu's efforts to revive coal mining in the area.
Mulyungi reportedly said that unless he is actively involved and properly consulted on the matter, he will not let the work take place.
Woman Representative Irene Kasalu has also opposed the coal mining project.
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Politicians including Wiper party's former Nominated MP
Bishop Robert Mutemi also condemned those opposed to exploration.
They praised the Governor for efforts to make good use of minerals including copper, limestone, iron ore and coal.
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Regarding livestock farming, Ngilu said the county will provide
Artificial Insemination services.
"Farmers will only be required
to pay a token Sh1,000 once
they sell the resultant calves," she
said.
The Governor announced that an ultra-modern slaughterhouse will be built in Kitui town and that Mwingi and Kabati trading centres will also have
facilities.
"We want our people to benefit from all livestock products, she said. "Meat will be transported in vans for sale."
The meeting also endorsed a plan by the county for a kitty to give soft loans to livestock traders.
"You will access loans to buy livestock from that account and once you sell, you will payback the principal amount and keep the profit," Ngilu said.
She added that her administration has acquired five lorries to ferry cattle to market centres and that more will be bought for all parts of Kitui.
Ngilu asked business people to ensure the animals do not lose weight and other value while being transported over long distances.