Since its establishment in the 1970s, the Drumvale Farmers’ Cooperative Society maintains its 16,000-acre land across Nairobi and Machakos counties within the boundaries of Kenya. The dispute centers on both unlawful liquidation proceedings and current ownership disputes from former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu.
Drumvale’s board chairman Felix Maingi informed the world in 2008 that the organization possessed both land properties as well as machinery equipment and treasury bills and bank deposits worth Sh1.5 million. Drumvale Cooperative became subject to liquidation process in 2009 even though the society had no financial debts or internal disputes according to records.
Peter Wanjohi received a liquidator appointment that met opposition from the members of the society. During the 13-year liquidation period Mr. Maingi stated that unauthorized sales led to asset loss by the cooperative.
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu made a sudden claim for ownership of the contested land parcel. During his recent interview Mr. Waititu maintained his ownership of the land yet refused to show title deeds while directing reporters to investigate at the Ministry of Lands instead. Mr. Maingi served as Drumvale chairman for a very short time according to allegations made by the witness. Court and National Assembly records show Mr. Maingi received the chairman position through election both in 2018 and when his term ran again in 2022.
Drumvale’s offices located in Kamulu shopping center faced an armed invasion on January 13, 2025 when members of a group prevented Mr. Maingi from entering the building which held essential documents regarding society assets and membership. This incident heightened concerns about the cooperative’s record security and the valid status of the ongoing liquidation operation.
The Drumvale story demonstrates the intricate difficulties which exist when managing land holdings and cooperative administration within Kenyan borders. The ongoing dispute demands stakeholders along with observers advocate for an ethical solution to protect both rights and properties of everyone involved.
