Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya denies grabbing land

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has dismissed claims by a man that he grabbed his two-and-a-half acres of land.

The county boss said Richard Momanyi was trying to taint his reputation. "I do not know the man and we have never met. His intention is to ruin my name," said Oparanya.

But Momanyi, 70, said he has met Oparanya on two different occasions. "We first met in his office over the matter and a second time on the land when he brought surveyors," he said.

Currently, Emaira Community Dispensary and Water Project sits on the plot. Momanyi does not want the health facility demolished, but says the owner should compensate him.

"It is serving the community, but it was built on my plot. so I see no need of it being brought down. I want compensation so that I can buy land somewhere else," he said.

Momanyi claimed Oparanya has grabbed the land he bought in 2009 in Marama, Kakamega County. He said he has authentic title deed for the land as proof that he is the legitimate owner.

"I was not given the land for free. I struggled to save money to buy it, so it shocks me when someone grabs my land with impunity and puts up structures and nothing is done," said Momanyi.

But the governor said he cannot stoop so low to snatch someone's land considering that he is a public servant. Oparanya said he is too senior to forcibly acquire land.