Murkomen warns land cartels in Nakuru of stern action

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, has warned land cartels working with rogue Land officers in Nakuru that their days are numbered.

Murkomen regretted that land tussles have become a thorn in the flesh for many homeowners in the county.

Speaking in Nakuru during Jukwaa La Usalama, the CS said the land conflicts had escalated, raising concerns among the security agencies.

He cited Gilgil, Njoro, Molo, Subukia, and Rongai as areas hard hit by the menace.

“We have discussed with the security team and decided to use a multi-agency approach to it as we require land officials to work with us in resolving the issue amicably,” the CS said.
Murkomen said cases of disputed title deeds were a common problem affecting homeowners.

He revealed that with the help of a multi-agency team, the case of a disputed parcel of land in Gilgil would be addressed.

The CS said areas with land disputes were multi-cultural related, and in resolving the cases, the government will avoid igniting the differences among communities.

"We are monitoring land issues closely where people are using fake documents to transfer lands from widows, orphans, which has been witnessed in Nairobi," he said
He directed the security team to be vigilant when handling the cases.

Murkomen regretted that Nakuru had become a transit of drugs and illicit alcohol, where adulterated ethanol and substandard spirits are sold.

He warned that the packaging and distribution of illicit alcohol had become a menace.

"We have reached a stage where we have almost normalised the use of cannabis, and we will have to come up with a solution. If a security officer is found colluding with these drug cartels, they will be fired and legal action taken against them," he said.

The emergence of gangs in Nakuru was also cited among challenges affecting the residents, with the CS saying that the situation is under control.

Murkomen said that drug abuse has remained a challenge not only in Nakuru but in Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Kericho, and Narok counties.

He blamed the proliferation of gangs in the county on alcoholism.

At the same time, the CS said illegal fishing in Lake Nakuru was a major problem.

The CS said that the government will not condone leaders fanning incitement and ethnic tension.

He warned of stern action against any person dividing the people along ethnic lines, and called on the Judiciary to support the course.

On child prostitution and trafficking, Murkomen said that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations will be strengthened to curb the rising cases.