The Green Belt Movement (GBM) is demanding an urgent explanation from the Kenyan government regarding alleged plans to allocate 50 acres of Imenti Forest in Meru County for the construction of a State Lodge, a golf course, and an airstrip. This controversy arose after Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma claimed President William Ruto had issued a directive to secure this land.

• Approximately 84,716 hectares of forest are lost and 14,934 hectares degraded annually in Kenya, according to the Forest Status Report 2024.
• The Green Belt Movement has given Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi seven days to respond in writing.
• The proposed developments are intended to “spur the region’s agricultural and tourism sectors” as part of Meru County’s push for city status.