Red flag raised as residents of volatile Mt Elgon grapple with fresh tussle over land

Bungoma County Commissioner Maalim Muhammed (right) at Chepyuk Grounds in Mt. Elgon on during a security meeting. PHOTO: CHRISPEN SECHERE

BUNGOMA: The mention of land on the slopes of Mt Elgon evokes a mosaic of emotions. Anger, nostalgia and pain all rolled up into one. When you talk to Alex Bera about land, a subject that has formed the agenda of countless village barazas, all these emotions flash across his face. Sometimes at the same time.

Early last month, the Deputy County Commissioner in Cheptais made a startling announcement. In one of his public meetings, he announced to the residents the availability of land ready for redistribution to the landless. His announcement has had various effects.