Residents of Mithini village in Makuyu, Murang’a County have raised concern over increased insecurity in the area linked to ongoing land disputes.
The residents are appealing for government intervention, saying they fear being forcefully evicted from land they claim has been grabbed by private developers.
They say those claiming ownership of the land have issued them with death threats.
Elizabeth Mukami, one of the residents, said her family’s land has been completely encroached on, leaving only the space where her house stands.
She says she has repeatedly received threats to vacate or be killed.
Mukami said her family has lived on the land for more than four decades, but a few years ago, strangers began invading it while claiming to be the legitimate owners.
“We feel unsafe at times and occasionally have to leave our homes for security,” she said.
“My father has been attacked several times as he fights for this land, because these people want us out so they can occupy it,” she added.
She claimed there may be collusion between some government officials and private developers to evict vulnerable residents.
Another resident, Munyori Kinyenje, said he attempted to build a house on his parcel of land, only for someone else to emerge claiming to be the rightful owner.
He noted that the land was surrendered to the government by white settlers in the 1960s and remains under state custody.
“We are seeking justice and asking the government to address this matter urgently because people are suffering and others have been killed in the fight for this land,” he said.
According to Kinyenje, documents from the Murang’a land registry indicate that 32,000 hectares were surrendered to the government in 1958 and have never been subdivided.
James Mungai, one of the community leaders, said they have sought help from government offices several times without success.
He added that he has also received death threats and now lives in fear.
“I have been receiving threatening messages from people telling me they want my head on a platter because I am at the forefront fighting for this land,” he said.
Mungai further claimed that the alleged land invaders have been presenting fake title deeds, which he believes were fraudulently acquired with the help of rogue government officials.
Murang’a County Police Commander Kimaiyo Kemboi confirmed that the matter has been brought to his attention and said an inquiry has been opened to verify the allegations.
“We have opened an inquiry, and the findings by the investigating officer will be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice,” he said.
Kemboi said the land in question was sold through shares and that the complainants did not purchase at the time.
He added that police will also look into claims that security and administration officers failed to assist residents.
“National Government Administration Officers will be required to record statements, and we will follow up on the OB numbers obtained at Mithini, Mukuyu, and Kenol police stations,” he said.
He urged residents to address issues related to alleged fake title deeds and eviction notices through the courts.
“Only the courts can order an inquiry into the acquisition of the contentious title deeds, stop eviction notices or grant residents adverse possession,” he said.
By Purity Mugo
