Outrage in Huruma: Residents Demand Repossession of Disputed Public Land from Raiply Company
“The land was handed over to the government by the late Malakwen Arap Sisiwa for public use. This man gave away part of his land freely — no compensation asked” Wakili Kimani Wanjohi MCA
Huruma Ward MCA Wakili Kimani Wanjohi addresses residents during a public participation forum, calling for the immediate return of disputed public land and vowing to defend community rights against illegal encroachment
A heated land dispute has erupted in Huruma Ward, Uasin Gishu County, as residents, community leaders, and human rights activists demand the immediate repossession of a parcel of land currently fenced off by Raiply Company. The contested land, historically used for public purposes, is now at the center of a contentious debate, with locals accusing the company of land grabbing.
Historical Context: Public Land with a Purpose
During a well-attended public participation forum at Huruma Grounds, Huruma Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Wakili Kimani Wanjohi led the charge, accusing Raiply of illegally fencing off land that rightfully belongs to the people of Huruma.
“We were born and raised on this land. We grew up knowing it was community property, and we have used it for decades for public benefit,” he stated.
According to Wanjohi, historical records indicate that the land in question, L.R 772/4/2, was compulsorily acquired by the government on September 7, 1978, under Section 19(2) of the repealed Compulsory Acquisition Act. A government caveat was subsequently placed on the parcel, setting the stage for critical infrastructure developments such as the Huruma Sub-County Hospital, the Kenya-Uganda Road, an oil pipeline, sewerage access, and recreational grounds.
A Gift to the People: The Legacy of Malakwen Arap Sisiwa
Wanjohi emphasized the philanthropic legacy of the late Malakwen Arap Sisiwa, who donated the land without compensation to benefit the wider community.
“This man gave away part of his land freely — no compensation asked — so that the community could benefit. He gave us the grounds, the hospital land, even the MCA’s office space,” Wanjohi said. “We are now asking — where did Raiply come in? Who sold this land to them, and under what circumstances?”
Community Leaders Demand Accountability
The MCA also revealed that initial attempts to halt the fencing were thwarted when municipal council enforcement officers arrived at the scene but later fled without explanation.
“If the land was indeed theirs, why did they run? What were they afraid of?” he questioned. “They didn’t even bother to get government plans or approvals before fencing. They knew they were on public land.”
Governor Jonathan Bii, through the County Government of Uasin Gishu, had issued a seven-day ultimatum to Raiply Company to remove the fence — a deadline that expired without compliance.
“This is a clear sign of defiance, and we will not take it lying down,” said Wanjohi. “I have vowed to fight until the land is returned to the people of Huruma.”
Concerns Over Church Involvement and Future Access
Residents expressed unease about reports that a church was in talks to acquire the disputed land. “We have no issue with the church, but once they acquire it, it will be even harder to reclaim. They will hide behind religion and threaten anyone who challenges them,” warned Wanjohi. “We are warning anyone attempting to buy this land — you are doing so at your own peril.”
Calls for Documentation and Transparency
Local resident Psalms Sunguti publicly challenged Raiply to present proof of ownership: “Let them bring the offer letter, the letter of acceptance, the allotment document, lease title, and receipts of payment going back to 1994. We also want to know who sold it to them. If they cannot produce these documents, then they have no business on our land.”
Human Rights Perspective: A Broader Pattern
Human rights advocate Evans Odhiambo condemned what he termed a disturbing trend of land grabbing targeting marginalized communities.
“There is too much corruption in the land sector,” he said. “The rich are using their connections to grab land meant for the community. We’ve seen it happen in other places, but it won’t happen here.”
He added that the disputed land has long served as a community space: “As children, we played football here. We held meetings, events, public gatherings — this was our space. We will not allow Raiply to take it from us now.”
Call for Government Intervention
Eldoret Bunge Speaker echoed the growing call for action. “This is a government utility. Raiply must surrender the land. We must support our MCA and the people of Huruma in this just cause.”
Community Ultimatum: ‘We Will Act’
With mounting frustration, residents have resolved to take matters into their own hands if the fence is not removed by the following Tuesday.
“We have been patient. We have followed all legal channels. But if no action is taken, we will remove the fence ourselves. We will not watch as our land is taken in broad daylight,” one elder warned.
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