Uasin Gishu Bishops Protest Rising Cases of Land Grabbing Targeting Churches
Bishop Christopher Mutai pointed out that several churches across the region were grappling with similar cases of land grabbing. He urged the National Land Commission to protect the sanctity of title deeds by investigating and adjudicating such cases, noting that the court process is often lengthy, tedious, and expensive.
A glimpse of the demolished Logos Revival Ministries, where properties valued at Ksh 70 million were reduced to rubble.
Nearly 100 bishops from various denominations in Uasin Gishu County on Friday staged a protest condemning the increasing cases of land grabbing targeting churches and other places of worship. Addressing the media, the religious leaders, led by Bishop Peter Simwa, expressed their outrage over the recent demolition of Logos Revival Ministries and the Princedom Education Centre in Eldoret, located on Eldoret Municipality Block 12/288. Properties worth over Ksh 70 million were reportedly destroyed during the incident.
“We are gathered here to condemn the recent demolitions of the Logos Revival Ministries Church and the Princedom Education Centre. On December 19, 2024, at around 4 p.m., the family of the disputed land mobilized goons in lorries and 50 armed police officers to descend on the two-and-a-quarter-acre property, demolishing it without giving the church an opportunity to contest a case that has been in court for the past eight years,” said Bishop Simwa.
Bishop Joseph Likavo criticized the manner in which the demolitions were executed, claiming they were conducted hastily and in defiance of a court injunction that had stopped any such actions.
“We are calling upon relevant government authorities to address the issues of land grabbing and double allocation of title deeds, which continue to occur arbitrarily, not just in Uasin Gishu but across the country. This is unjust, and the Ministry of Lands must intervene immediately,” said Likavo.
Bishop Agrey Watindi of Logos Revival Ministries argued that the church had legally acquired the disputed land 23 years ago.
“We paid all dues to the previous owner, who is now deceased. For the past eight years, we have been battling with the deceased’s kin in court. However, the family has used dubious means to target this parcel of land, Eldoret Municipality Block 12/288. They are motivated by the proximity of this land to the road and its investments worth millions. Schools are reopening in a few days, and the Princedom Education Centre has already been demolished. Hundreds of schoolchildren have no place to report to, and thousands of congregants have no sanctuary for prayers. I demand justice!” said Watindi.
Bishop Christopher Mutai pointed out that several churches across the region were grappling with similar cases of land grabbing. He urged the National Land Commission to protect the sanctity of title deeds by investigating and adjudicating such cases, noting that the court process is often lengthy, tedious, and expensive.
“This is a grave injustice. The church must be protected from these illegal actions. We need a comprehensive review of title allocations and immediate action from the government,” said Mutai.
On their part, Joan Chepkorir, a representative of the plaintiff Rodah Cheptonui Lang’at , defended their actions, claiming they had followed due court processes.
The bishops have called for swift government action to ensure justice is served and to safeguard places of worship and schools from land disputes.
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