Chaos as National Land Commission sits in Kitale

Chaos erupted on Monday during a National Land Commission (NLC) sitting at the Kitale Museum when local leaders differed over historical land injustices.

Trans Nzoia Senator Henry ole Ndiema and Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi watched in disbelief as two groups clashed over injustices meted out by colonial and post-independence administrations.

Tempers ran high as leaders from the two warring groups joined the fray, prompting the NLC officials to call police to separate them.

For about half an hour, the forum chaired by NLC commissioners Daniel ole Tanaai and Rose Musyoka was in disarray as members of the two groups engaged in bitter exchanges as Ndiema and Wanyonyi pleaded for calm.

COMPILE LAWS

Earlier, Governor Patrick Khaemba addressed the meeting and said the country's various land laws should be compiled into one document that should then be translated into Kiswahili to enable Kenyans understand it easily.

Mr Khaemba also said he was concerned about the massive grabbing of public utility land in the county, saying part of his office compound was being claimed by private developers.

Endebess MP Robert Pokuse protested the removal of former assistant minister Wilberforce Kisiero from the NLC after a priest, Fr Gabriel Dolan, questioned his credibility.

Mr Kisiero featured in the Ndung'u Report as one of the prominent politicians accused of fanning tribal violence among communities in Trans Nzoia County.

Dr Pokuse said the Sabaot community was not consulted before Kisiero was removed and replaced by Peter Chemaswet.

"We are against the replacement of Kisiero and are not going to accept Chemaswet because he imposed himself on the position," Pokuse said amid backing from the gathering.