Migori Governor Okoth Obado dares priests to curse him

There seems to be no end in sight to the land row pitting the local government and the Catholic Church after Governor Okoth Obado vowed not to dialogue with the Church.

The Migori governor has constantly accused the Church of grabbing public land and his move to repossess the more than 500 acres in dispute has seen him wade into a controversy with the Church. The parcels in dispute are in Rongo, Uriri and Nyatike sub-counties.

Addressing Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) delegates in Rongo, Mr Obado said his administration had resolved to hold talks with the church but its officials became adamant and instead continued to do things contrary to his expectations.

The county chief said he will continue to fight for the interests of Migori residents. "The land the Church is claiming is public utility and if it will mean that they curse me over my stand, so be it because I know at the end of the day, God's judgement will be righteous over this," he added.

If Obado has his way, the 50 acres in Rapogi will be used for the construction of a Kisii University College campus, while the Nyatike parcel will be used for the expansion of Rongo University College.

According to the governor, there was no personal interest over the disputed plots since they belong to the government and the dispute was only delaying plans of developing them.

Homa Bay Diocese Bishop Philip Anyolo had earlier indicated that the Church will remain unperturbed by the dispute and said all the matters will be solved in a proper manner using available laws.

"As a Church, we cannot fight over the property when the country has its laws, which are very clear for all those who want to settle issues they are not satisfied with," Bishop Anyolo said in an earlier public function.