Governor Samuel Ragwa gives stern warning to land grabbers

Tharaka Nithi Governor Samuel Ragwa

Tharaka Nithi, Kenya: Tharaka Nithi Governor Samuel Ragwa has given a stern warning to those who have grabbed public property in the county.

This is after complains were raised over the numerous plots being owned and controlled by rich tycoons in the area.

Speaking to journalists Governor Ragwa said the county government was aware of the issue and was going to take the right procedures.

He said public land, house plots, former government offices that have been grabbed will be regained back to the government.

"Complains have reached us of rich people who have been controlling land, cattle dips, schools and other  public property without authorization."

Ragwa said soon all that property would be restored to government control. "We are going to go back to the 1963 records and find out the government property that is being used by other people."

Mr Ragwa said discipline and restrain needs to be taken by people with high status in society to avoid exploitation of the less fortunate.

He said even the ones who have grabbed private land would face the law. This is concerning various cases of land grabbers especially in Tharaka constituency where rich tycoons have been reported to harassing residents while taking their land.

Last year a group of 200 youths believed to be paid by a rich businessman raided Kibunga area and displaced families and burned their houses.

The issue of land is being addressed by the national government with title deeds expected to be issued by the end of two years.