The Mountain Journal

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Rumuruti Land scandal exposed

There is an outcry in Laikipia over the alleged allocating parcels of land to 2,000 persons among them well connected persons, locking out undeserving persons.

There were demonstrations in  Rumuruti town as the residents protested the alleged dishing out of the public land meant  for the squatters and the undeserving persons  to the rich and well  to do.

 During the demonstration the irate residents declined to be addressed by the Governor Joshua Irungu, and the county secretary Koinange Wahome,  as they called  for the revocation of the lists submitted to the National Land Commission (NLC), to facilitate the allocation of land sitting within Rumuruti municipality. 

 In the social media platforms the residents castigated the Laikipia County Government over the irresponsible allocation of the lands  to the tycoons as the defenceless suffered.

The land measuring 818.68 acres in Rumuruti area divided into seven blocks as follows, Block 1 of 112.95 acres, Block 2 of 81.57 acres ,  Block 3 of  51.56 acres , Block 4 of 171.46 acres , Block 5 of  66 acres,  Block 6  of  269.74 acres , Block 7 of 65.36 acres which the deserving families had been pushing to be allocated  for settlement before communication leaked had been allocated to the well connected persons.

 Hell broke loose after the National Lands Commission (NLC) gazetted a notice of the intention to allocate land measuring 2,141 acres within Rumuruti township for various land uses.

Investigations revealed that also allocated are persons from the neighbouring counties.

There were demonstrations in Rumuruti town as the locals castigated the Laikipia County Government  for turning against the electorate.

 Paul Mwangi calls  for the nullification of the lists presented to  the land commission and involve the community to ensure fairness..

“ In  the list names of the allies of the MCAs and County staff featured thus the need to redo the allocations afresh,” said Mwangi.

Mc Josey Mwangi from Laikipia East sub county regretted the Rumuruti land allocation calling  for in-depth investigations following claims that executive from the county government benefitted with the land meant  for the undeserving person.

“ There is a need to conduct investigations to ensure the squatters get their rightful share in the land allocation,” said Mwangi.

Mwangi disclosed a move to collect signatures   in the 15 wards for a vote of no confidence  to the Governor Joshua Irungu, Senator John Kinyua, MPs and the MCAs.

“ Its my appeal that the County Commissioner should proceed to Rumuruti  and conduct investigations after the protestors declined to be addressed by the county officials,” said MC Josey.

 Former Laikipia MP Catherine Waruguru said allocation of Rumuruti land to non-genuine squatters was a glaring sign that Governor Joshua  Irungu has failed the people of Laikipia, who elected him..

“Genuine squatters who have waited for years in hope and dignity have once again been sidelined, while opportunists reap where they did not sow. It is disheartening that County Lands CEC and department officials, MCAs allied to the Governor , senior county executive staff, Rumuruti land registry staff benefitted,” Ms Waruguru wrote in her face book page.

 She asked the National Land Commission halt the process immediately until all complaints are addressed.

“ NLC does not validate corruption and nepotism deeds , but instead Investigation agencies must also take action. The EACC should move swiftly into Laikipia County Government, as this is now a crime scene; a lifestyle audit on the executive,” she pointed.