Land disputes have escalated in Kajiado and Machakos counties, with residents in both regions calling for urgent government intervention to address encroachment and protect their property rights.
In Kajiado West sub-county, a bitter row has erupted at the 46,000-acre Torosei Group Ranch in Iloodokilani. Members allege that more than 60 per cent of the original ranch members have passed away, leaving room for unscrupulous individuals to collude with National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) and county lands officials to orchestrate a massive land-grabbing scheme.
The ranch’s chairman, Maimpi Ole Katie, and his treasurer, who have been unwell for years, are unable to oversee the ranch’s affairs.
This has reportedly enabled an official within the ranch to spearhead the illegal land grabbing with support from some NGAO officials.
Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has vowed to halt further subdivision of the ranch and protect members’ rights.
“As the Kajiado Governor, I will do everything within my power to ensure this land is not grabbed. Hatutakubaliana nayo [we will not agree to this],” he said.
Senator Samuel Seki called for collaboration between the county and national governments to reduce tensions and resolve the dispute peacefully.
Meanwhile, in Mavoko, Machakos County, landowners in Lukenya West are demanding government intervention to stop a developer who has allegedly encroached on their parcels of land.
Residents claim they paid Ksh 200,000 to Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) for regularization, valuation, and survey fees as part of a process to acquire legal ownership of the land.
However, after making payments, another party took over their parcels, backed by armed security.
The land in question was initially owned by East African Portland Cement Company (EAPC) but was transferred to KCB as part of a debt settlement deal.
Machakos Woman Representative Kamene Kasimbi has urged leaders and authorities to step in and stop the encroachment.
“This injustice must be addressed urgently. The government cannot allow private developers to dispossess residents who have already met the regularization requirements,” said Kasimbi.
The dispute follows recent remarks by Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko, who had encouraged residents to cooperate in the regularization process.
As tensions rise in both counties, affected residents are calling on authorities to safeguard their rights and prevent further illegal land dealings.
