Tension has engulfed Muthera farm, located at the border of Narok and Nakuru counties, after two rival groups clashed over who had the right to fence the disputed land of 4,296 acres.
The family of the late Mbiyu Koinange arrived at the disputed land yesterday morning with plans to fence the expansive land, but their move was met with hostility from some residents who questioned their authority and demanded to know who had allowed them to carry on with the exercise.
Speaking to the press, some locals who claimed to have lived on the farm for decades said they were shocked to see tractors drive into the farm without consulting them.
”It is so unfortunate that we are strangers in our own piece of land,” said a local. “We have fought many endless court battles since independence, yet we have no peace,” he regretted.
On the other hand, Francis Njenga, the farm manager representing the Koinange’s family, urged locals to resort to peaceful and lawful alternatives in resolving the dispute, as violence and threats will not help.
Njenga affirmed that they will act in accordance with the law to ensure that they protect the farm.
Police officers were deployed to help contain the situation and ordered both groups to vacate the farm as they wait for further instructions from their authorities.
The Muthera farm dispute remains highly emotive despite numerous cases filed in court to help resolve the ownership row amicably.
By Emily Kadzo
