Lamu Governor Issa Timamy and MP Julius Ndegwa clash over Manda land
Lamu Governor Issa Timamy (left) and Lamu West MP Julius Ndegwa. The two have clashed over the decision by the governor to revoke the allocation of plots at the 4,000-acre Manda Settlement Scheme two weeks ago. PHOTOS | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- This follows a decision by the governor to revoke the allocation of plots at the 4,000-acre Manda Settlement Scheme.
- The governor said his office and the National Land Commission were making plans for surveyors to demarcate the land afresh.
- Mr Ndegwa has challenged Mr Timamy to have title deeds for land that has been surveyed so far issued.
- He said it was evident that squatters and other landless people had no one to defend them.
Lamu Governor Issa Timamy and Lamu West MP Julius Ndegwa have clashed over land allocation.
This follows a decision by the governor to revoke the allocation of plots at the 4,000-acre Manda Settlement Scheme two weeks ago.
Addressing local residents on Tuesday, Mr Timamy said his decision was final.
The governor said his office and the National Land Commission were making plans for surveyors to demarcate the land afresh and allocate each squatter four acres.
“Our aim is to resettle as many people as possible. The Constitution gives the county government the mandate to plan and that is exactly what we are doing,” said Mr Timamy.
However, Mr Ndegwa has challenged Mr Timamy to have title deeds for land that has been surveyed so far issued instead of “making people landless” in the name of resettlement.
SQUATTERS DEFENCELESS
Speaking at Kipungani Primary School on Tuesday, the MP said many of the Manda occupants had invested heavily on the land and it would be unfair to kick them out.
He said it was evident that squatters and other landless people had no one to defend them and that he was ready to ascend the throne as governor of Lamu and help resolve land challenges among other issues.
“Timamy must do things as per the peoples’ choice. If he isn’t ready to fight for the rights of Lamu people he should know that he is forcing me to challenge him in 2017 for the post of governor so that I can defend my people,” said Mr Ndegwa.
However, addressing the public at Mkunguni Square in Lamu Town on Tuesday, Governor Timamy swore not to change his decision concerning the Manda land.
He lashed out at Mr Ndegwa asking him to first clear up his name with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission where the MP facing accusations of misappropriating CDF funds before he could think of challenging him.
He said he was more than ready to face Ndegwa if he contests for the governor’s post in 2017.
“Mr Ndegwa should know that the law has changed. The Manda land is public land,” said Mr Timamy.
