Tinotenda Hove – Chief Murinye has reiterated his demand that Riverton Academy be relocated, arguing that the school was built on land traditionally reserved for communal grazing.

Addressing the dispute, the traditional leader said the school’s presence threatens the livelihoods of villagers who depend on the land for their livestock. “The school cannot remain here. This is grazing land, and the community relies on it for their livestock,” he said.
Chief Murinye further accused the school’s founder, businessman Philemon Mutangiri, of unlawfully taking over communal land. “Mutangiri has seized land that belongs to the people. We cannot allow this to continue,” he added.

In response, Philemon Mutangiri dismissed the accusations, insisting the school was established legally and in the interests of the community. “I did not grab anyone’s land. Riverton Academy was built following the proper procedures, and the goal has always been to provide education to local children,” he said.

Mutangiri also warned that calls for relocation risk disrupting pupils’ learning. “Moving the school would punish innocent children and parents who want access to education,” he said.

The standoff has heightened tensions between the school and local leadership, with parents and residents left uncertain as the debate over land use and access to education continues.