Groups Laying Claim On Disputed Mwea Settlement Scheme Asked to End Wrangles

Embu,

Thursday, December 7, 2023

KNA by Samuel Waititu

A section of elders from Mbeere South Sub-County, Embu, have called on all parties laying claim on the disputed 44,000 acres Mwea Settlement scheme to end incessant wrangles that have prevented thousands of squatters from settling down.

Elders from Nyangi Ndiriri Council together with those from Mwea Council said it was paramount for all warring factions to unite and forge ahead as a team if at all they were to make meaningful progress with regard to subdivision and titling of the land.

The Government in 2018 suspended subdivision of the land after fatal chaos erupted over ownership of the scheme leading to death of one person while scores injured.

The High Court later cancelled over 9,000 titles issued in 2016 following a petition by a section of elders from Ngome Clan who contested the distribution and ordered for fresh subdivision and allocation.

While addressing the media, elders from Nyangi Ndiriri and Mwea Council called on all rival groups to embrace unity to unlock the stalemate.

Andrew Ireri who is the chair of Nyangi Ndiriri said they had met with officials of the Land Department from the County Government and were asked to write a proposal on what should be done to address the challenges that led to the cancellation of titles.

He said it was time that all parties put their differences aside and agree to speak in one voice and also come up with an all-inclusive proposal.

“The onus is on us now to demonstrate that we are ready and willing to work together so that we can be assisted in resolving this perennial land problem once and for all,” he said.  

He said the County Government had expressed willingness to meet with all groups and stakeholders once they draft a joint proposal to amicably sort out the matter and come up with a comprehensive solution.

The elders said they were in support of the court ruling ordering fresh subdivision and titling, saying that the previous process was fraudulent as it locked out many beneficiaries.

Makima Ward MCA Philip Nzangi dismissed the meeting by the elders as inconsequential and self-seeking as it was done without the knowledge of authorities.

Courtesy; KNA