By S, KNA
The much-awaited Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) talks on the controversial Mwea Settlement Scheme land at the Embu Law Courts, collapsed following non-representation of key government officials.
It was a faulty start for the process that was expected to be the ultimate solution for the longstanding ownership dispute surrounding the 44, 000 acres’ land located in Mbeere South Constituency.
The session held, Tuesday, which had raised hopes of breaking the deadlock, was thrown into disarray when residents living on the disputed land represented by veteran lawyer, Dr. John Khaminwa, insisted that the National Land Commission, the Chief Registrar of Lands, and other crucial offices, had to be represented for the talks to continue.
The absence of the representation of the key offices raised concern over the willingness of the government, to address the dispute, yet they were the entities pushing for the ADR process, where all warring factions and stakeholders would be brought on board to solve the dispute once and for all.
The residents demand came amid simmering tensions, with members of the Ngome Council of Elders, who also claim ownership of the land, attending the meeting, leading to a clash of positions, thus setting the stage for heated exchanges.
The situation worsened when Dr. Khaminwa, who had been expected to guide the legal direction of the talks, was shouted down by a section of stakeholders. The uproar forced organizers to adjourn the meeting abruptly.
Speaking after the disruption, residents argued that the questions they have about historical injustices and exclusion in land allocation could not be answered without the presence of the key government offices.
“We will not accept any negotiations that exclude the National Land Commission and the Registrar of Lands,” community leader, Shadrack Kilonzo, declared.
He said the offices are mandated to give them answers and without them, no meaningful dialogue and progress could be made.
The residents also opposed the County government steering the process, alleging it was the one that presided over the flawed subdivision in 2018, leading to a clash that left one person dead and scores injured.
Dr. Khaminwa said the Constitution was clear that every Kenyan has the right to live and own property in any part of the country.
He warned that silencing voices of reason, will only deepen mistrust and undermine the path to reconciliation.