Uasin Gishu
Saturday,may 8 2024
By Teddy Makori
In a significant development, the National Assembly Committee on Lands has summoned Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi to address allegations concerning the illegal acquisition of over 1,500 acres of land in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County.
The land in question, located at Ngeria Estate, reportedly belongs to local squatters who have voiced their concerns about the encroachment.
During a fact-finding mission at Ngeria Estate, the committee, chaired by Joash Nyamoko, revealed that the decision to summon MP Sudi came after multiple complaints from the affected squatters.
These individuals claim that the MP has been instrumental in the unauthorized seizure of their land. In response to these allegations, chairman Nyamoko stated, “We have directed our clerks to issue a formal summon to the Kapseret MP to provide clarity on these serious accusations.
“The committee has also taken a decisive measure by instructing Moi University Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Kosgey, to immediately stop all farming activities on the disputed land.
AThis directive aims to prevent further rungles of the conflict until the matter is conclusively resolved.
The fact-finding mission included a comprehensive deliberative session with all relevant stakeholders, including the squatters and the university management, to assess the situation and gather necessary information.
Earlier this year, the squatters had formally appealed to the National Assembly for intervention, citing incidents of trespassing and unauthorized cultivation by unknown parties.
These activities, intended for the upcoming 2024 planting season, have heightened tensions and deepened the dispute over the land’s rightful ownership.Chairman Nyamoko emphasized the committee’s commitment to a thorough investigation.
“We will critically review all evidence presented, including additional documents from the university that support its claim to the land,” he said.
“Our goal is to ensure a fair and just resolution, and we will present a comprehensive report to the House based on our findings.
“Nyamoko, who also serves as the MP for North Mugirango, issued a stern warning against any attempts to flout the committee’s directive suspending activities on the contested land.
“Any defiance of our order will not be tolerated and will be met with appropriate action,” he asserted.Representatives from Moi University, led by Vice Chancellor Professor Kosgey, presented their position to the committee, detailing the university’s claim to the land.
Concurrently, officials representing the Ngeria Estate squatters made a compelling case for their ownership rights, adding another layer of complexity to the dispute.
The summoning of MP Oscar Sudi marks a critical begining on the ongoing land conflict.
As the National Assembly Committee on Lands digs deeper into the matter, all eyes will be on their findings and subsequent recommendations.
The outcome will likely set a significant image on handling similar land disputes in the future, highlighting the delicate balance between development, legal ownership, and the rights of local communities.