Communities hope for justice as NLC probes 1,000 historical land cases
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
The NLC's ongoing investigations bring hope for these communities as they seek resolution for their long-standing land grievances.
The National Land Commission (NLC) is currently investigating at least 1,000 cases of historical land injustices.
These cases involve communities that suffered during pre- and post-colonial times. The commission has promised these communities that the government will work to ensure they get justice.
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Among the petitions under review are those from the Ogiek community, as well as groups representing the Sabaot, Kony, Bungomek, Sengwer, Elgon Masai, and Cherang'any communities in Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties.
During a week-long hearing in Kitale, NLC Commissioner James Tuitoek announced that approximately 1,000 of the 3,742 petitions received have met the necessary criteria for further investigation.
"These hearings are part of our efforts to resolve historical land injustices so that communities can live with dignity," Tuitoek stated.
The investigative hearings, led by Tuitoek alongside commissioners Esther Mathenge, Tiyah Galgalo, and Hubbei Hussein, gathered evidence and testimonies to support the claims of the affected communities.
Trans Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya addressed the hearing, highlighting the numerous land-related issues in the region, many of which are still in court.
"Many individuals in our county were forced to flee their homes due to the ethnic conflicts of 1992," he said and mentioned that over 20,000 squatters have been evicted from public forests.
The Governor emphasised that many individuals who had acquired land through the Settlement Trust Fund are now landless, driven out by colluding cartels and Ministry of Lands officials.
He called for urgent action from the national government to allocate land for the resettlement of documented squatters and communities displaced from Kiboroa, Mount Elgon, and Embobut forests.
Several groups, including the Ogiek Council of Elders, presented their petitions to the NLC during the hearings. "
Most of the land occupied by government entities in Endebess and Mt Elgon constituencies was initially taken from us by the colonialists," claimed Mzee Johnson Cheprop.
Additionally, those evicted from Kiboroa forest expressed their frustration, stating that despite promises of resettlement, none have materialised.
"We have sought justice for long but none has been forthcoming," lamented Isaiah Wanyonyi.
The NLC's ongoing investigations bring hope for these communities as they seek resolution for their long-standing land grievances.
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