Defense ministry, Isiolo county agree to resolve Burat land row

Defence CS Soipan Tuya and Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo at the meeting./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

The Ministry of Defence and the County Government of Isiolo have finally agreed to resolve a six-year Burat land dispute.

Defence CS Soipan Tuya and Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo agreed to convene a roundtable meeting with the KDF, National Land Commission and local leaders to resolve the dispute.

During the meeting in Isiolo town and which was attended by Tuya and Guyo, a consensus was reached to convene a high-level roundtable meeting involving key stakeholders, including the National Land Commission, community members, civil society, all elected leaders and the KDF, to address and resolve the longstanding disputes.

Residents have accused the military of expanding the 100 hectares allocated in 1981, defying a 2019 court order and an elders' agreement, by continuing to extend their presence onto ancestral land.

CS Tuya described the move as a significant step towards finding a lasting solution to the dispute that has lasted for decades.

Governor Guyo lauded the move, saying it marks a significant step towards peace, coexistence and inclusive development for the people of Isiolo.

During the meeting, it was also agreed that both the county government and the KDF would support local youth groups who will be responsible for caring for the trees planted under the restoration programme.

The collaborative effort aims to realise the forest cover target set under President William Ruto’s vision for a greener Kenya.

“Together with our national government and Isiolo MCAs, we will continue to champion environmental sustainability and climate resilience across the county,” the governor said.

He added, “This important initiative underscores the joint commitment between the county, the KDF, as well as national and county leaders, in a powerful show of unity and purpose. It reflects our collective effort and dedication to restoring degraded ecosystems and building climate resilience.”

Governor Guyo warned politicians and individuals involved in illegal land dealings.

“We will not tolerate the politicisation of land issues or the fraudulent acquisition of title deeds aimed at grabbing public land. Demolishing homes of innocent residents will not be allowed,” he said.