Kimumu Residents Reclaim Allegedly Grabbed Public Land, Vow to Protect It

0

the community has vowed to “occupy” the disputed plot to safeguard it for its intended public use

Image Courtesy

In a dramatic move, residents of Kimumu on Monday reclaimed a parcel of land they allege has been grabbed, marking it with signposts indicating its designation as a public utility.

According to documents available at the Lands Office, the contested land is registered as public property. However, residents claim it has been illegally acquired, in a pattern of alleged land grabbing that has plagued Uasin Gishu County.

The individual accused of grabbing the land has reportedly sought legal protection from the courts. In response, the community has vowed to “occupy” the disputed plot to safeguard it for its intended public use. “We will not allow this land to be taken away. It belongs to the community, and we will protect it at all costs,” said a local resident who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals.

This incident is the latest in a series of land disputes in Uasin Gishu County, where vital public facilities such as the fire station, Eldoret County Headquarters, and the County Assembly were previously reported to have been grabbed. These properties have since been reverted to public ownership following the intervention of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

The residents of Kimumu are calling on the Law Society of Kenya and other advocacy groups to assist in their legal battle to protect the public land. “We need the support of all stakeholders to ensure that public utilities are preserved for their rightful purposes,” stated another community member.

As the case heads to court, the Kimumu residents remain resolute in their stance to reclaim the land, insisting that it should serve its designated purpose for the community. They have urged other civil society organizations to join their cause, highlighting the need for greater vigilance against land grabbing in the region.

The outcome of this legal tussle could set a significant precedent for future cases involving public land disputes in Uasin Gishu County and beyond.

About Author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *