Land grabbers snub summons by National Land Commission officials

Kisumu, Kenya: Perceived land grabbers yesterday failed to appear before the National Land Commission (NLC) to answer questions regarding how they acquired the property.

Speaking at a public hearing held at Tom Mboya Labour College, NLC Vice Chairperson Abigael Mbagaya (pictured) said the individuals had been invited to the forum but they opted to snub it.

NOT MOVED

She, however, said the commission is undeterred and will go ahead to repossess the said plots as well as demolish illegal structures put up on the land.

"Even though they did not appear before us, the commission will still take action and will make determination in accordance with the law," she said.

The NLC official said some 5,000 residents will be affected in the demolition exercise adding that demolition orders have already been issued to NLC county staff and the county government.

Only one person, said to have illegally acquired a plot  earmarked for construction of an administration police post in Shauri Moyo, appeared before NLC commissioners.

"We have also learnt that some people have titles to the said plots and we are investigating how they acquired the titles so that we can revoke them," Mbagaya stated.

She also said NLC will issue 22,000 title deeds to reduce land dispute cases in the region.