Jubilee leaders hit back over CORD land row claims

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen.

Jubilee leaders have hit out at the Coalition of Reforms and Democracy (CORD) members for associating them with land grabbing.

This comes after some CORD leaders led by senators Johnstone Muthama (Machakos), James Orengo (Siaya) and Boni Khalwale (Kakamega) alleged that some Jubilee MPs were involved in the Karen land scam.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen said resolution of land issues was part of the Jubilee government's manifesto and it was therefore wrong for CORD to link its leaders to the raging land row.

"Land grabbers have no space in the Jubilee government whether in Lamu, Karen or Machakos," said Murkomen.

Murkomen, who is also the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Devolution, accused CORD leaders of trying to distract the Jubilee administration from its agenda by raising issues that they cannot substantiate.

"The same people linking the Jubilee leadership to the Karen land issue have been implicated in numerous land scams and they should concentrate on clearing their names," he said.

Murkomen said it was dishonest of CORD leaders to associate the elected leaders with the Sh8 billion land saga because the row was between two investors.

"I do not see where the deputy President and other Jubilee leaders come in. The dispute is between two investors who both claim to be having a title deed to the piece of land," he explained.

Political mileage

Senate Majority Leader Kindiki Kithure said the CORD leaders were trying to divert attention from the land scandals they have been implicated in. "Some of those saying they have evidence to incriminate a section of our members have grabbed land in Lamu and in Ukambani and should stop hiding behind our names," he explained.

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi said the CORD leadership was using the Karen land saga to get political mileage.

"Those who have eyes can clearly seen who the land grabbing marshals are. Let them carry their crosses," he said

The leaders were speaking during a funds-drive at Sitotwo AIC Church in Elgeyo Marakwet. Other MPs present included MPs Kangogo Bowen (Marakwet East), Jackson Kiptanui (Keiyo South), William Kisang (Marakwet West) and Samuel Chepkonga (Ainabkoi).