Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya on Sunday distanced himself from predicaments facing those alleged to have grabbed Kitale prison land.
The county boss said the decision to evict the main farm prison grabbers was made by the president himself
He said a total of 2,700 acres have been grabbed by area tycoons.
The governor made the sentiments during a fundraiser at Kwanza Catholic Church.
It was presided over by Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
The tycoons, the Governor said, sold a smaller percentage to landless poor.
Those who innocently bought land from the grabbers, Natembeya said, should be compensated.
He further requested the national government to allocate the county some land from medium prison to expand the Kitale town.
“I have never asked the president to evict people, I only requested for town land but unfortunately the prison farm grabbers are masquerading that I am the one planning evictions,” Natembeya said.
“I don’t advise the president, he has his cabinet, advisors and the DP, and at the same time, I have got no platform to criticise the president because that is not my business,” he added.
According to the former Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, if the government decides to evict the grabbers, he will only protect those they conned. But he insisted that the tycoons must go.
Don’t send away students for lack of school fees – DP Gachagua tells headteachers
On his part, Deputy President President Rigathi Gachagua asked school managers to desist from sending away students for lack of school fees.
He also asked members of parliament to help in monitoring and report the headteachers on the issue.
“There is no sense and reason for sending JSS students home because of lack of uniform and desk” the DP said.
Gachagua added that the government has necessitated the availability of subsidized fertiliser for planting.
Starting next month, the government, he said, will start purchasing a litre of milk at Ksh50 from the current Ksh45
Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula asked seven Members of Parliament from Trans Nzoia to unite and work with the governor to enhance development.
“It is not time to politic. When development happens, the citizens will be happier,” said Wetang’ula.
