- Mugo said time and again, land has been touted as the probable cause of what now falls between terrorist acts and ethnic and or religious cleansing.
- This is after it emerged that land disputes could be the main cause of the recent killings in the region.
Former Lamu deputy governor Eric Mugo has called on the government to move with speed and resolve resolving land issues in the county.
This is after it emerged that land disputes could be the main cause of the recent killings in the region.
He said the issue of squatters in Lamu is serious and needs to be addressed with the seriousness it deserves.
Mugo, who is also running for Lamu governor on The Service Party, said it was disturbing that the people from the county have time and again been victims of endless promises, premised on hope and no tangible outcome.
Speaking when he visited Witho village where six people were killed by assailants last week, Mugo acknowledged that while terrorism is a global challenge, the incidents happening in the county remain suspect.
Mugo said time and again land has been touted as the probable cause of what now falls between terrorist acts and ethnic and or religious cleansing.
“These matters are all suspect and must be looked into because the rate at which people are dying and losing property is alarming. We want a permanent solution to all these so that our people can live peacefully.”
While insisting that the buck stops with the county government, Mugo said all lands occupied by squatters for a period exceeding 12 years should by adverse possession automatically be transferred to the squatters.
“We can't continue risking our people's lives while they truly believe the solution is clear demarcation and subsequent issuance of title deeds,” he said.
He called on the concerned security agencies to investigate whether the continued delay to demarcate and issue title deeds is a political tool being used to continue holding Lamu people hostage.
Mugo said the county has previously suffered the same fate and while security was beefed up, loopholes still exist and must be addressed promptly to ensure no more incidences, where people lose their lives and property, happen.
“If the issue of land is being used to oppress people here, let that be looked into and destroyed completely so that people are free and safe. Thorough investigation should be undertaken and the culprits, financiers and supporters apprehended,” Mugo said.
He said it was unfortunate that time and again Lamu has had to bury young, energetic, and hardworking men who die under questionable circumstances.
Mugo warned that without proper resolution to land issues and especially the growing number of squatters in the region, politicians are likely to hijack the situation.
“I have reiterated the need to speed up investigations leaving nothing to chance. While we welcome the recent leadership caucasus organised by CS Interior, the government has to move with speed and settle the land issues in Lamu,” he added.
“Our county bleeds, our hearts are broken but amidst all these tribulations our resilience and ability to remain strong is key. We shall overcome."
-Edited by SKanyara