President Uhuru asked to issue titles to border residents

Meru, Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta has been asked to issue title deeds to residents living at the border of Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties.

Residents living in Njoguni, Kathimani, Ngongoaka, Kindani and Mugwii among other areas along the border have been living in fear of being evacuated due to lack of title deeds.

Making the appeal, Governor Samuel Ragwa said over 300 residents are living as squatters in various parts of Tharaka region following land disputes that occurred in 1986 and 1997 where several people were killed and property destroyed.

"The residents have experienced historical injustices since independence because they have not been issued with title deeds. The President has issued  titles in various parts of the country, and that's why I am requesting him to come and solve the land conflicts here," he said.

Despite the tour by the Parliament's Committee on Lands two years ago, which was meant to gather information on land ownership and provide a solution, nothing has been done yet. The governor also wants the boundary of the two counties defined.