We’ve powers to probe title deeds, lands team insists
National Land Commission Chairman Muhammad Swazuri. Mr Swazuri Sunday challenged those who have invaded the 134-acre plot in Karen valued at Sh8 billion to prove their ownership. PHOTO | FILE |
What you need to know:
- He was responding to journalists who had asked him whether President Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive to revoke titles for 500,000 acres in Lamu County was legal.
- The commission also announced Wednesday that it will camp in Lamu for a month to regularise Swahili villages and give them title deeds.
Only the National Land Commission has powers to initiate investigations into grabbing of property in Lamu, its chairman said Wednesday.
Speaking in Kilifi Dr Mohamed Swazuri said the commission could so either on its own or after receiving a complaint from the national or county governments, individuals or a community.
He was responding to journalists who had asked him whether President Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive to revoke titles for 500,000 acres in Lamu County was legal.
“To us, this is a complaint we received from the national government represented by the President. Earlier on, the Lamu county government had also complained about allocations,” he said.
He urged anyone mentioned in a list of those who had been irregularly allocated land to submit relevant documents to the commission for investigations in 15 days.
“After hearing the parties, the commission will rule,” he said.
Titles that were irregularly acquired will be revoked.
However, those with bonafide titles will be spared.
The commission also announced Wednesday that it will camp in Lamu for a month to regularise Swahili villages and give them title deeds.
The project will cost Sh820,000, Dr Swazuri added.
The process will also benefit Mapenya, Ndambwe, Mkunumbi, Pangani and Kiongwe and starts on Monday.
