Thousands of residents of the ex-prison farm on the outskirts of Kitale town in Trans Nzoia County are in panic mode following the erection of beacons on the 2,700-acre piece of land by the Kenya Prisons Services officers.
The erection of beacons on the expansive land is part of the implementation of President William Ruto’s mid-January directive to the occupants of the contested land to move out voluntarily or be evicted and their houses demolished.
Speaking to the press at the Mutondo area on Friday, Dr Martin Bulimo said they acquired their pieces of land after following the due process and asked the government to halt planned evictions.
“We have title deeds and are therefore legitimate occupants of this land. The first title deeds were issued in 1991 and Kenya prison which does not have any ownership document has about 380 acres,” Bulimo said.
How many homesteads are living in Trans Nzoia ex-prison farm?
He stated that members of over 3,000 homesteads are at risk of being rendered homeless if the government continues with the eviction plan.
“On the lower part, we have over 1,200 valid title deeds while on the upper part which is more urban, we have over 1,500 valid title deeds, where will occupants of these homesteads go?” he asked.
Lucy Simiyu, a widow was overwhelmed by emotions while addressing the press because she is worried about where to take her children and grandchildren.
“I am a widow and an old woman, I cannot grab land as it has been said we grabbed prison’s land. Suppose we are evicted where shall we go and who will take care of us?” Simiyu asked.
She also called on Ruto’s administration not to punish innocent people in the name of constructing affordable houses.
“President Ruto we voted for you, we know you are a Christian, we plead with you, please don’t evict us. Here we have orphans, widows, the elderly and even the sickly please provoke them,” she urged.
Increase in the number of squatters
In addition, Maurice Barasa, a retired teacher stated evicting them would increase the number of squatters in the country.
“We have several squatters and homeless people in this country. Why should the government add salt to an already bleeding wound? Rendering us squatters will come with several social, health and economic challenges,” Barasa said.
Some of the areas where beacons were erected on Wednesday include Wamuini, Kephis, Top Station Primary School, and Kitale Annex prison among other parts.
