Fraud Allegations and Eviction Threats Fuel Rising Tensions at Orwa Ranch in West Pokot
A letter obtained by Hubz Media, dated December 29, 2020, from the National Police to the Director of Land Adjudication and Settlement, revealed that the police had advised halting the subdivision of Orwa Ranch due to security concerns.

Recent demonstrations in West Pokot over the disputed land adjudication process. | File Photo
Tensions continue to rise in West Pokot County over the disputed adjudication of Orwa Ranch, a 13,000-hectare community land, following allegations of fraudulent land subdivision and illegal evictions. The controversy has sparked demonstrations and unrest among local residents, who accuse the government of mismanagement and corruption in the land allocation process.
Orwa Ranch, located near the Marich area, was first declared an adjudication section between 1978 and 1981, with a recorded membership of 345 people. However, recent developments have seen the number of registered members surge to 1,343, a result of what the original members claim is a fraudulent land adjudication exercise. These new claimants, alleged to be backed by local government officials, are said to be the source of increasing conflict, not only at Orwa Ranch but in neighboring trust lands, including Katikomor, Kanyarkwat, Kanyeris, Nakwijit, Endugh, and Masop.
Gladys, a long-time resident of Orwa Ranch and a posho mill owner, spoke to Hubz Media about her experience with the growing tensions. Since 2019, she has run her business while also working on various projects, including the construction of a pit latrine. However, unknown individuals have repeatedly served her with eviction notices, claiming she is illegally occupying the land. “I can’t even finish my latrine project because they keep telling me I have to leave,” she said.
Other residents share similar stories. Mzee Abel (not his real name) a small-scale shop owner, described how unknown groups arrived, began demarcating land, and instigated disputes among local residents. The tensions have made it difficult for many locals to continue with their daily lives and businesses.
A letter obtained by Hubz Media, dated December 29, 2020, from the National Police to the Director of Land Adjudication and Settlement, revealed that the police had advised halting the subdivision of Orwa Ranch due to security concerns. The letter stated that a group of people had misled the adjudication office, which contributed to the current volatile situation. Despite these warnings, the adjudication office ignored the directive, further intensifying the conflict. The letter also faulted West Pokot Ministry of Lands officials for violating procedures during the adjudication process and noted the creation of a false register of Orwa Ranch members.

Elders from Orwa Ranch report that demonstrations staged in Kapenguria, supported by the community’s children, have brought a temporary calm to the area. However, the core issues remain unresolved. With the support of the Center Against Torture , the community has submitted a petition to West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor, calling for a thorough investigation into the fraudulent land dealings. The petition has also been sent to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the CCIO West Pokot, and the County Commissioner.
Residents are also demanding answers regarding a KETRACO compensation payout of 34 million KSH. The funds, intended for members of Orwa Ranch as compensation for land used by power lines from the Turkwel Dam, are alleged to have been misdirected to fraudulent beneficiaries.
Attempts to get a response from local government officials have so far been met with resistance. The West Pokot County Commissioner refused to comment on the matter, stating that he does not address government issues through the media. However, he promised to respond to a formal letter regarding the ongoing fraudulent adjudication process. Similarly, West Pokot County CEC for Lands, Esther Chelimo, acknowledged hearing about the community’s grievances but said no formal complaints had been filed with her office.
For residents like Gladys, the hope for justice remains. “All we want is peace and fairness,” she said, adding that she dreams of completing her projects and running her business without fear of eviction.