Armed police guard land that had been taken over
Armed police guard the 350 acre piece of land that people had invaded in Kibarani, Kilifi, in this photograph taken on May 19, 2016. They had been evicted by the police the previous night. PHOTO | SAMUEL KAZUNGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- It is said company bought 350 acres illegally.
About 50 armed police officers were yesterday posted to guard 350 acres of land in Kibarani that had been invaded by residents.
More than 2,000 villagers had taken over the land belonging to Millennium Management Company before they were removed by police.
The land yesterday was a no-go zone as regular, Administration Police and General Service Unit officers stood guard as the villagers collected their valuables.
Kilifi police chief Alexander Makau denied that police destroyed the invaders’ structures.
“I am here to make sure that they leave peaceful. We have not used any force and nothing has been destroyed. Our officers are not harassing anyone,” said Mr Makau.
He said the local residents were removed because there is a case pending in court.
“We asked them to move out and wait for the outcome of the case they filed in the Malindi High Court,” said Mr Makau.
INITIAL INVESTIGATIONS
Kilifi County Commissioner Joseph Keter said initial investigations indicated that the land is owned by Millennium Management Company, a nut processing firm.
“Millennium Management Company has papers confirming ownership. A search at the land registry showed they are the genuine owners,” said Mr Keter.
The commissioner said some people who has settled on the land had come from as far as Mombasa and north eastern Kenya.
“Last Friday, we told them to move out. Some left but others continued to build structures. That is why we had to chase them away,” said Mr Keter.
During the eviction 98 locals, including Kibarani Ward Progressive Association Secretary-General Khamis Ali, were arrested and charged for trespassing. They were released on a bond of Sh15,000 each.
Mr Ali, however, said hired youths had destroyed their structures.
Mr Khamis said they had already written to the National Land Commission seeking to be allocated the land since the owners of the factory did not follow the correct procedures in purchasing it.
He said the land was illegal purchased and the farmers were not compensated, the reason they now want it back.
“The transaction was not done in good faith because the farmers never received their share after its sale. We are sons and daughter of the farmers and we want the land to be returned to us,” said Mr Khamis.
