Human Rights Activist Demands Investigation into Alleged Land Fraud in West Pokot County
According to the activist, a network of senior government officials, including land registrars, area chiefs, and other key officers, is involved in the unlawful subdivision and misallocation of public lands
Recent demonstrations in West Pokot over the disputed land adjudication process. | File Photo
A prominent human rights activist has formally requested Director of Criminal Investigations Mohammed Amin to launch a full-scale investigation into rampant land fraud in West Pokot County. In a strongly worded letter, activist Kimutai Kirui alleges that senior land government officials and local land officers are complicit in fueling fraudulent land transactions—a crisis that has long undermined public trust in the region’s land management system.
Allegations and Inaction
In his letter, dated February 15, 2025, Kirui asserts,
“Land is an emotive factor of production. It is a source of vicious conflict worldwide.”
Kirui contends that corruption within the county’s land adjudication offices has reached alarming levels. According to the activist, a network of senior government officials, including land registrars, area chiefs, and other key officers, is involved in the unlawful subdivision and misallocation of public lands. He claims these illicit practices have created an environment where land fraud is not only tolerated but systematically orchestrated.
Central to the controversy is the role of the West Pokot County Commissioner, who Kirui accuses of failing to take decisive action. The activist fears that the Commissioner’s inaction is rooted in a conflict of interest, potentially hampering any meaningful investigation into the malpractices. Such allegations echo concerns raised by local communities and media reports, which have repeatedly highlighted a lack of accountability among high-ranking officials.
Background on Land Fraud Cases in West Pokot
The issue of land fraud in West Pokot is not new. Over recent years, a series of high-profile cases have drawn significant attention both locally and nationally. One notable example is the controversy surrounding Orwa Ranch—a dispute that has become emblematic of the broader challenges facing land management in the county.
The Orwa Ranch case involved allegations of fraudulent subdivision and mismanagement of land records. Reports from online sources such as HubzMedia Africa detailed how mediation efforts failed, ultimately leading the matter to a full trial. In this instance, officials were accused of manipulating land records and authorizing illegal transfers, further disenfranchising local communities and exacerbating long-standing grievances.
Similar controversies have emerged in other ranches throughout West Pokot, where land originally designated for community and trust purposes has been unlawfully reallocated. Community members have repeatedly decried the opaque processes used to demarcate and allocate land, claiming that these practices have led to the dispossession of rightful owners and the erosion of communal rights.
Community Reaction and Wider Implications
Local residents have not remained silent. Protests and public outcries have punctuated the debate over land fraud, with many demanding swift action and reform. Community leader Christopher Lorikatau stated in a recent rally,
“Our lands are being stolen through backdoor deals and manipulated records. We demand transparency, accountability, and a complete overhaul of the current land adjudication system.”
The persistent allegations of corruption have raised broader concerns about governance and the rule of law in West Pokot. Critics argue that the continued inaction of key officials, including the County Commissioner, not only deepens public mistrust but also risks igniting further conflict in a region already marred by tensions.
Call for Transparency and Reform
In his detailed letter, Kirui calls on Director Mohammed Amin to initiate an immediate and independent investigation into the alleged fraudulent practices. He stresses the urgency of the matter, arguing that only a transparent inquiry can restore public confidence and halt the cycle of corruption that threatens the county’s stability.
“Without decisive action, we are paving the way for further injustice and social unrest. The truth must be uncovered, and those responsible must be held accountable.”
Kirui’s appeal comes at a critical time when public pressure is mounting for reform in West Pokot’s land administration. Activists, legal experts, and community members alike are urging government authorities to break the cycle of impunity that has allowed such widespread malpractices to persist.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation awaits a response from the Director of Criminal Investigations, the eyes of West Pokot—and indeed, the nation—remain fixed on the developments in this case. The outcome of any inquiry could have far-reaching implications, potentially setting a precedent for addressing corruption and reforming land management practices across Kenya.
For now, Kirui and his supporters continue to advocate for transparency, justice, and accountability, hoping that the call for an independent investigation will finally bring long-overdue change to a region beleaguered by conflict and mismanagement.
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