The Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula now says the government will not evict residents of ex-prison farm on the outskirts of Kitale town in Trans Nzoia County.
Speaking at Kitale Club when he met a delegation of residents of the contested land, Wetangula said President William Ruto runs a political government which is sensitive to the people and cannot evict them.
“Any political government is always sensitive to the needs and emotions of people and so we are as a government,” he said.
The country’s third in command further asked the agitated residents not to panic and stay in their homes peacefully.
“As your leader, I want to assure you that your houses and other properties are safe. Therefore, do not worry because we shall not evict you,” he stated.
Violation of the constitution
According to Wetangula, eviction of people who acquired the land during the late President Daniel Arap Moi’s era is a violation of the Constitution.
“If we evict you, where shall you go and where will your children learn and yet under the Constitution having a house or a roof over your head is a right under article 43?” he said.
Wetangula’s remarks were echoed by Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang’ and Endebess Constituency Member of Parliament Robert Pukose.
Trans Nzoia’s pioneer Senator under the new Constitution Henry Ole Ndiema and former Cabinet Minister Noah Wekesa who are part of the land owners in the ex-prison land narrated how they legitimately acquired their pieces of land.
Pundits argue that Wetangula’s intervention is going contrary to President Ruto’s declaration.
The President while on a tour in the county mid-last month said all land grabbers occupying the prison land should move out voluntarily or be evicted.
He warned that houses of those that will not need to calls to move out will be demolished forcefully.
