Turbo Deputy County Commissioner Denies Role in Shauri Estate Land Grabbing Dispute
“Our survey findings indicate the parcel is privately owned and does not overlap with the designated public road,” Mr. Cleofas explained.
Huruma Ward MCA Hon. Kimani Wanjohi addresses the media at the contested Shauri Estate site, where he vowed to defend public utility land from alleged encroachment. Photo by Achieng Kemuma | Hubzmedia Digital.
Hubzmedia Digital
Tensions are escalating in Shauri Estate, Uasin Gishu County, following renewed accusations by Huruma Ward MCA, Hon. Kimani Wanjohi, over the alleged grabbing of public utility land.
Speaking during a public meeting held on Monday, Hon. Wanjohi alleged that a similar meeting convened last Tuesday by the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) of Turbo Sub-County was infiltrated by hired goons, and that he was denied an opportunity to address the gathering.
“The meeting that was called by the DCC turned chaotic. Goons were hired to intimidate residents, and when I rose to speak, I was denied a chance,” said Wanjohi. “We must protect the truth and ensure that public utilities are not stolen in broad daylight.”
MCA Raises Concern Over Contradicting Land Maps
The MCA further revealed that there are two contradicting maps regarding the disputed land — one showing the area as a public utility, while another indicates it is privately owned.
“These two maps cannot both be right,” Wanjohi stated. “One clearly shows the land as a road reserve and part of a public utility. The other map claims it is private property. The DCC ought to have directed the relevant investigating agencies to conduct a thorough verification to determine which map is authentic and to ensure public land is protected.”
Wanjohi maintained that public spaces in Shauri Estate have constantly been under threat of encroachment, and vowed to continue defending community land from private acquisition.
“I will continue fighting for what rightfully belongs to the people,” he said. “Public spaces must be preserved for the benefit of the community, not converted into private plots.”
Deputy County Commissioner Responds
In response, the Turbo Deputy County Commissioner has denied allegations of bias or collusion, insisting that her office only convened last Tuesday’s meeting to foster dialogue and uncover the truth behind the dispute.
“As government, we cannot and will not facilitate any form of land grabbing,” she said. “The meeting was purely a stakeholders’ engagement aimed at bringing all parties together to unearth the truth and ensure transparency.”
Surveyor Declares Disputed Plot Private
Meanwhile, Mr. Cleofas, a surveyor who visited the contested site, stated that technical assessment shows the land lies within private property boundaries and is not part of a public road reserve, as earlier alleged.
“Our survey findings indicate the parcel is privately owned and does not overlap with the designated public road,” Mr. Cleofas explained. “This has been verified through official survey records.”
However, Wanjohi maintains that the land forms part of a public utility and warned that grabbing such spaces could jeopardize the area’s inclusion in the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project Phase 2 (KISIP II) — a national program aimed at upgrading infrastructure in informal settlements.
“If these plots are grabbed, Shauri Estate will lose out on vital development opportunities,” the MCA warned. “As long as I am the MCA, no one will take what belongs to the people.”
The dispute has sparked growing anxiety among Shauri residents, who are now urging the county and national governments to intervene decisively, safeguard public utilities, and ensure that all land ownership claims are verified through lawful channels.
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