Muhammad Swazuri's visit to Bomet stirs controversy

Two MPs have accused National Land Commission Chairman Muhammad Swazuri of taking sides in the row over the location of Bomet University.

Bomet Central MP Ronald Tonui and his Bomet East counterpart Bernard Bett accused Dr Swazuri of being used by Governor Isaac Ruto to try and move the university to Sigor. The lawmakers claimed they were shocked that Swazuri visited the county last Friday ostensibly to appraise the available land for the construction of the university.

“It is regrettable that Mr Swazuri is talking about an issue that has already been resolved by the President. He has come out as partisan and serving the interest of the governor,” said Mr Tonui.

He said the title deed for a 44-acre piece of land in Bomet town has already been issued.

“We are waiting for the details of the visit and if it emerges that it was meant to undermine the President’s decision then I will launch a petition to impeach him,” Tonui said. Mr Bett said Swazuri should confine himself to areas where there are pressing land issues instead of wasting his time on an issue that has been concluded.

“The chair should avoid sneaking into the county just because he has been invited by the governor. If he feels there are issues touching on the univeristy land then he must involve all the other leaders,” he said.

Speaking while addressing the Press at Bomet Stadium, Swazuri said he was visiting the county on the invitation of the county government to appraise the available land for construction of the university.

In May some elders claimed that the President was duped when he was given a lease certificate instead of a title deed.