Machakos: Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Government Coordination Kipchumba Murkomen has vowed to deal firmly with land fraudsters and land grabbers in Machakos who have become the biggest threat to security. The CS was speaking at the County Commissioners residence in Machakos during his end-of-Lower Eastern Jukwa la Usalama tour, where he met with National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) and opinion leaders from every sub-county in Machakos, where the major issue raised was land grabbing.
According to Kenya News Agency, Murkomen stated that land grabbing has led to insecurity issues and invasion by squatters. He disclosed plans to investigate government officials and politicians potentially colluding with criminals in land fraud through fake title deeds and harassment of legal landowners. Murkomen emphasized that land is the most significant threat to security in the region.
Murkomen also shared plans to collaborate with the land ministry in developing policies and strategies to address land grabbing and fraud in Machakos. He mentioned that a report would be compiled to inform the development of a national policy on land ownership disputes, particularly those involving large tracts of land affected by squatters and land grabbers. He highlighted that Machakos’s proximity to Nairobi has made it a refuge for criminals fleeing the capital, and he pledged to engage landowners in proactive discussions on securing their properties.
During the deliberations with NGAO, religious leaders, People with Disability (PWD), and the public, the issue of human-wildlife conflict, especially in Masinga Sub-County, was also raised. There were calls for a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) office to bring services closer to the residents. Additionally, concerns were expressed about the rise of second-generation alcohol and gambling machines destabilizing the youth, prompting calls for government intervention.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti echoed the concerns about land issues, noting that prominent officials were using court orders to harass landowners with legal title deeds. She urged the national government to expedite the issuance of 50,000 pending title deeds to empower residents.
Principal Secretary for Interior Raymond Omolo highlighted the importance of the Jukwaa la Usalama forum in fostering collaboration and unity between citizens and security personnel. On the issue of second-generation alcohol affecting the youth, Omolo mentioned efforts with NACADA to launch a curriculum for rehabilitation and collaboration with community leaders and churches for reintegration.
The Jukwaa la Usalama was attended by several leaders, including Lower Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich, Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko, Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, and County Assembly Speaker Ann Kiusya, among other County and National government officials.