WARNS CARTELS

Mutai reclaims dumpsite land, puts grabbers on notice

Governor issued a two-week notice to grabbers to surrender the plots.

In Summary

• Governor Eric Mutai Mutai has pledged to reclaim all public lands grabbed or allocated illegally across the county.

• He also directed that all public officers who may have participated in illicit allotment of particular parcels be suspended immediately.


Kericho Governor Eric Mutai (in gumboots) leads other county officials in destroying a fence at one of the plots alleged to have been grabbed
LAND GRABBING: Kericho Governor Eric Mutai (in gumboots) leads other county officials in destroying a fence at one of the plots alleged to have been grabbed
Image: HANDOUT

Kericho Governor Eric Mutai led county officials Tuesday in reclaiming two acres of public land said to have been grabbed by a private developer outside Kericho town.

The land reserved for a dumpsite, according to Mutai, was fenced off three months ago by the developer who claimed ownership.

The Star could not immediately establish the identity of the developer.

"I am putting on notice all those who may have been involved that their days are numbered," Mutai said. He also said it was time "all cartels are dealt with harshly and as per the law.”

He told the developers to surrender as the mission to repossess the land had begun. 

“I am giving notice today that we are coming for you, but before we arrive we are asking you to take down the structures on those lands because they are public properties,” Mutai said.

To grabbers and would-be grabbers, your time is over, you are not more special than others...We are coming for you hard and strong
Kericho Governor Eric Mutai

He directed that all public officers who may have participated in the illicit allotment of the particular parcels be suspended immediately.

The county officers, he said, will remain suspended as investigations continue.

Mutai said he will ensure public resources are protected and respected.

"To the grabbers and would-be grabbers, your time is over, you are not more special than others...We are coming for you hard and strong.

"You will not continue your activities on land that should be used for the public good," he said.

He issued a two-week notice to surrender the plots, otherwise they will be demolished.

Those who may have acquired land illegally but are using it for a public good, must have the land regularised in accordance with the law, the governor said.

The particular illegally held parcels, title deeds and buildings, he said, will be published in a Gazette notice to notify 'owners' of intended seizure.

“If you know you did not acquire the land in a proper manner, come and pay for it now so  we can give you a legal document. The title deed or allotment letter you now are holding has been declared null and void," Mutai said.

(Edited by V. Graham)

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