MCAs adopt report to remove lands registrar from office

Nyandarua ward representatives have adopted a report recommending removal of county Lands Registrar Charles Ayienda over claims of gross misconduct.

The report by Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development, tabled by Githioro MCA Sambigi Mukuria, indicate that Mr Ayienda presided over poor services.

“It is unthinkable that those expected to offer services at the Lands office are mistreating people. Issues around land are sensitive, that is why we cannot continue to tolerate the poor services offered by this office. It is very demoralising to our people,” Mukuria said during a debate on the report yesterday.

Murungaru MCA Kariuki Muchiri, also a member of the committee chaired by Hussien Kassana, claimed the Lands registrar was being protected by people in “high places”.

“It is unfortunate that the officer is being protected. Residents were even discouraged from complaining to this committee about the unkind treatment they have been receiving,” he said.

Gatimu MCA Kieru Wambui said Ayienda ignored several summonses by the county assembly to respond to accusations leveled against him.

“We must ensure the Lands registrar is removed from office as soon as possible and further action taken against him for failing in his duties. And we must do everything possible to implement recommendations of this committee to ensure the House is not subjected to ridicule,” Mukuria told the House.

“Our people came to us and complained about what they have been going through in that office. It will be ridiculous for us to make such good recommendations and fail to implement them,” he said.

The committee started investigations after residents made several complaints against Ayienda.

Officials at the Lands registry have been blamed for loss or misplacement of land documents. 

They are also said to be imposing illegal conditions while issuing title deeds, certificates of lease and land searches.