[Source: The Standard, by Dominic Maichuhie]
An order by the Government that a Sh12 billion forest in Kiambu be degazzetted and the 419-acre piece of land be shared among a group of squatters has triggered a row among squatters.
The move by the National Land Commission (NLC) to recognise one group of squatters has now opened a can of worms with the other three groups now contesting decision.
Kamiti Anmer Development Association (Kada), Muungano wa Kamiti Society, Kamiti Forest Squatters Association and Kamiti Anmer Squatters Welfare have been laying claim to the land.
Geoffrey Munge, the sectary of Muungango wa Kamiti Society, said they were unhappy with the verdict as some groups had been sidelined.
In a gazette notice dated March 1, 2019, former NLC Vice Chairperson Abigael Mbagaya allowed claims by Kamiti Anmer Development Association(KADA) that it was the rightful owner of the land.Ms Mbagaya in the gazette notice said the commission had allowed claims by squatters to have the land gazetted.
“The allotment letters issued by members of the second claimant (Kamiti Anmer Development Association) are found to be valid and therefore the rightful occupants of the subject land,” reads the gazette notice by the commission.
NLC in the gazette notice also directed KADA and squatters to adopt alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, saying, the land should be partly redistributed to the squatters.
