West Pokot Residents Decry Lack of Transparency in Land Ownership
They compiled a petition directed to the Senate, the County Assembly and the County Commissioner.
By Michael Karanja
Locals of West Pokot have taken to the streets demanding a listening ear and actions of goodwill from land officials.
This follows a dispute in proprietorship between community land and trust land in several wards within West Pokot County.
Residents have denounced the demarcation procedure and the committee appointment criteria, terming them unconstitutional and inconsiderate.
Considering their displeasure, they have compiled a petition directed to the Senate, the County Assembly, and the County Commissioner.
West pokot residents protest demanding land demarcation justice
Significant persons held the hands of affected locals in airing their discontentment.
They included Marshana Cheruto, nominated Member of the County Assembly (MCA), Kimutai Kirui, a Human Rights Activist, and Mr. Jackson Lokwen, Chairman Orwa group ranch.
Mr. Kimutai shed light on the nature of the gathering, terming it peaceful demonstrations rather than a press briefing.
He illuminated the legibility of the demos following a prior notice to the Officer Commanding Station (OCS).
“Last week we notified the OCS Kapenguria, Chief Inspector Wamocha that we will be conducting demos today. And in alignment with the procedures of demos, if the OCS does not communicate back in writing nullifying the notification, then it is deemed approved,” he said.
The Human Rights Crusader further broke down the process, which gave way to the three-way petitioning, honoring the aspect of hierarchy.
“This petition is going to the Senate, but we couldn’t skip the leaders of our areas here. That is why we have presented ourselves to the Clerk of the County Assembly" he said.
Kimutai further stressed that the petition is directed to the Senate and not the Senator, expressing his confidence in the Senator and alluding to the fact that the matter would be in caring hands.
“The Senator is very diligent and very professional. He is passionate about issues touching on public interest. He is a person who can champion for the rights of his own people to larger extents,” Kimutai said.
Jackson Lokwen denounced the Nakujit land adjudication process in its entirety, dubbing it a looting spree.
His argument is born and bred of the presence of adjudication officers on community land and the existence of two committees, hence a conflict of interest.
He also called upon the Fourth Estate to intervene and voice the cries of the people, ensuring they land on competent ears.
The demos have included a blend of Gen Z voices with youthful individuals like Noktari Griffin, who proclaimed the unsatisfactory state of affairs surrounding land possession within Nakujit and the larger West Pokot.
West pokot residents up in arms
Griffin termed the deeds unjust, quoting a section of the first stanza of the National Anthem, which reads, “Justice be our shield and defender”.
He pointed out that the people of West Pokot are demanding justice.
He further found fault in the intertwining of land parcels, hinting at an eruption of squabbles in the near future, saying, “As a matter of fact, these people are ensuring the next generation of West Pokot is going to be in conflict,” posing the question, “What do you expect when you sell four or five people one parcel of land?”
Lilian Apusie, a resident, called out the demarcation process since it lacked public participation in the appointment of the land committee.
She supported her declaration, stating, “Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs solely appointed individuals from elsewhere.”
Lilian additionally bent her demands towards the empathy of widows and orphans who have found themselves in the crosshairs of the matter.
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