Suspected land invaders are still occupying sections of Kakuzi Plc’s farm in
Murang’a County despite a High Court order and directives by Interior Cabinet
Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for their removal.
A spot-check at the agribusiness firm confirmed that, more than a month after the Murang’a Environment and Land Court issued eviction orders, the individuals remain on the land.
This comes two weeks after
Murkomen directed security agencies to enforce the orders during his Jukwaa la
Usalama County security tour.
In response to the stalemate, Deputy Inspector
General of Police Eliud Lagat appointed Clinton Kimaiyo, a former Deputy Head
of the RECCE Unit, as the new Murang’a County police commander.
Kimaiyo replaced Benjamin Kimwele, who was recalled to police headquarters, and is expected to lead operations targeting illicit brews and land invasions.
According to Kakuzi Plc, the suspected
invaders have erected makeshift structures in areas including Kituamba, Nginye
(LR 3558 and LR 10731), and Gachagi.
The company claims the individuals are engaging in illegal harvesting of
forest products and quarrying, activities it estimates have caused
environmental damage worth over Sh200 million.
“The Management team received CS Murkomen’s directives with much relief, as
law enforcement actions now appear to be on the horizon. However, so far, we
haven’t seen any action either by the County Police teams or National
Administration officials as the invaders are still on site,” a company source
said.
Murkomen, speaking in Murang’a on August 19, cautioned politicians against inciting residents to invade land owned by private firms such as Kakuzi and Del Monte.
He warned that such actions are unlawful and risk destabilising communities
and undermining investments.
“We cannot allow anyone to take the law into
their own hands,” Murkomen said, urging leaders to resolve land disputes
through lawful and peaceful means.
The CS stressed that grievances over land
ownership and historical injustices should be addressed through legal and
institutional frameworks, including alternative dispute resolution.
He warned that politicising land issues often fuels conflict and displacement.
