Tycoons and politicians linked to new grabbing of ADC farms

Three tycoons and unnamed politicians from Trans Mara have been mentioned as the masterminds of invasions into the controversial Agricultural Development Corporation farm at Ndabibi in Naivasha.

Security officers in Naivasha say they have launched a hunt for the culprits, who are said to have gone into hiding as investigations into the latest invasion continue.

Intelligence reports indicate the said tycoons ferried herders from Trans Mara in lorries and left them in the disputed farm.

The latest reports add a new twist in the ownership wrangle, with a high powered security team led by the Regional Commissioner Wanyama Musiambo expected to hold a public baraza next Tuesday.

Naivasha sub-county commissioner Isaac Masinde has described the latest developments as a recipe for anarchy.

He said it was clear that the plan was to increase the number of herders who have already settled in the disputed farm. “We have gathered intelligence report that the politicians are aiding the three tycoons to ferry the herders using lorries,” said the administrator.

According to Mr Masinde preliminary intelligence has established that the invaders have been promised parcels of land and hoodwinked that the vast farm was due for subdivision soon.

“We also piecing together intelligence reports linking the politicians to the plot that is likely to cause atrocities,” said the administrator.

LOST LIVES

Since the two groups started fighting early this year, five people have lost their lives and scores have been seriously injured.

Mr Masinde said the politicians and their henchmen wanted to counter their adversaries who recently transported youths to Kosovo, but were repulsed by security agents.

“Both groups have devised plans to bring their people to settle in the farms but we are countering that and have stepped up security measures,” the administrator said.

In an interview with the Nation in his office yesterday, the administrator said the security officers were dealing with a very delicate situation with two rival groups bringing their sympathisers to aid them in what they suspect are illegal activities.

Already police have demolished 11 newly constructed structures put up by the group and flushed out more than 100 invaders.

Two rival groups have been claiming ownership of the vast farm, leading to a bloody confrontation. In May, two farmers were slashed following a fight with a rival group. Four other people sustained minor injuries.

The last killing occurred on April 23, after a farmer was shot dead by a gunman on a motorcycle.

In February, a 40-year old herder was speared to death after two communities fought.