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Locals accuse MP of tilling their land

Details

Published on Monday, 19 September 2011 18:14

Residents of Olalui group ranch in Trans Mara West District are up in arms against Kilgoris MP Gideon ole Konchellah over a piece of land.

The more than 198 members of the ranch accused the legislator of tilling the land belonging to the community without their approval.

Led by their chairman Michael ole Rinka, the members said the move showed disrespect for members and a contempt of court.

Recently, there was tension in the area after armed General Service Unit officers and APs were deployed in the ranch to ensure tilling of the land went on uninterrupted.

However, the officers were later withdrawn from the area after locals protested.

Following the tension, officials from the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission visited the ranch.

The ranch measuring more than 7,000 hectares has been at the centre of controversy between two rival clans of Moitanik and Uasin Gishu. A case pending at the Kisii High Court had ordered the status quo remains until the case is determined.

According to Rinka, the land the legislator is ploughing has, for several years, been used by the community to graze their animals.

He said since the ranch was yet to be sub-divided it was wrong for any member to develop it without the consent of the committee.

“It is strange to see our leader, whom we respect, go to an extent of denying us the grazing field. We wonder where he expects us to take our animals,” said Rinka.

Another member Samuel ole Nanyoki said tilling the land and fencing it off has denied them access to the only water source for their animals.

The ranch has on several occasions been turned into a battle field between the two rival clans as each claims ownership of the vast and fertile land.

Several lives and property have been destroyed as members of the ranch engage in inter-clan fighting to take control of the its ownership.

Efforts to contact the legislator for comment were unsuccessful as his phone went unanswered.