Criticos accuses county boss of inciting land grabs

Former MP Basil Criticos (left) shows journalists part of his farm that he claims was invaded by squatters at a past event. He wants the government to renew his lease. PHOTO | FILE

What you need to know:

  • Mr Criticos has held onto the farm since his family bought it from Standard Bank after the owner, Mr Ewart Grogan defaulted on a loan.
  • The former assistant minister says even after applying for renewal of his lease three times, he was yet to get a response from the National Land Commission.
  • Mr Criticos obtained court orders restraining the squatters from invading the farm, but it was never implemented and more settlers have pitched tent.

Former Taveta MP Basil Criticos has accused the County government and area lawmaker of plotting to kick him out of his farm.

He said Taita Taveta governor John Mruttu and area MP Naomi Shaban want to repossess a 3,000-acre farm that he has held since 1972.

Mr Mruttu and Dr Shaban argue that the lease agreement for Machungwani farm has ended and it should be repossessed to settle the landless.

Mr Criticos has held onto the farm since his family bought it from Standard Bank after the owner, Mr Ewart Grogan defaulted on a loan.

Speaking in Voi on arrival from the United States, a worried Mr Criticos now says he is unwilling to let the farm go “unlawfully.”

NO RESPONSE

He lost 15,000 acres after defaulting a Sh20 million loan from the National Bank in 2007.

The former assistant minister says even after applying for renewal of his lease three times, he was yet to get a response from the National Land Commission.

“It will be unfair if the government decides to take away the farm, which I have been cultivating for many years without considering what I have invested in it,” he said.

At a public rally addressed by President Kenyatta in Taveta last Thursday, Mr Mruttu and Dr Shaban asked Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu to intervene and ensure that the lease is not renewed.

Although she was noncommittal, the minister said their plea would be considered.

Mr Criticos obtained court orders restraining the squatters from invading the farm, but it was never implemented and more settlers have pitched tent.
The most recent invasion happened last week after the presidential rally at Sowean Primary School.

The former MP says his bid to get police protection has failed because of interference by powerful political forces.

“I have been planting oranges and bananas without any interference until this year when the meeting took place,” Mr Criticos said.