Senator John Kinyua Raises Concerns Over Looming Evictions and Displacements in Laikipia County
Laikipia County Senator John Kinyua has called on the Standing Committee on Land, Environment, and Natural Resources to urgently address escalating land disputes between local residents and ranchers in the region, which threaten to lead to widespread evictions and displacements.
In a Statement to the Senate, Senator Kinyua highlighted troubling reports from several areas within Laikipia County, where tensions between ranchers and local communities have reached a critical point. The situation has been particularly severe in the Kinamba area of Sossian Ward in Laikipia North, where ranch owners, including those of Ol Maisor and Sossian Ranches, have allegedly fenced off traditional stock routes and local lands. The fencing has also encroached upon a burial site that Kinamba residents have used since colonial times, further intensifying the conflict.
Additionally, in Muramati area of Umande Ward, Laikipia East, ranchers including those from Lolldaiga Ranch, have fenced off key lands, blocking local communities’ access to essential resources such as water, worsening their already precarious situation.
In his Statement, Senator Kinyua requested the Standing Committee to provide clarity on several issues, including the terms of lease agreements for the ranches operating in the affected areas, and whether these agreements respect the rights of local communities. He also called for the Committee to outline the measures in place to protect the residents of Riacho, Lamuria Division, from losing their land ownership rights.
The Senator also sought a detailed explanation of the legal and procedural authority under which these ranches and conservancies are operating. Specifically, he asked if their actions align with national laws and regulations, which may be contributing to the displacement of local residents.
Finally, Senator Kinyua pressed the Committee to provide an update on the civic education efforts undertaken to inform local residents about their land rights and the potential consequences of land disputes. He also requested a status report on the progress made in issuing title deeds to the residents of Kinamba, to help them secure ownership and protect their land from external encroachment.
As tensions in Laikipia County continue to rise, Senator Kinyua’s call for urgent government intervention comes at a time when the livelihoods of many residents are at risk. His queries highlight the growing need for a balanced approach to land management that respects both the rights of local communities and the interests of landowners and investors in the region.
The Standing Committee on Land, Environment, and Natural Resources is expected to respond to these concerns in the coming weeks, with hopes of finding a resolution to the ongoing land conflicts in Laikipia County.
Post Author
