Kisumu County is facing rising tension along its border with Kericho, prompting Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o to appeal to the Ministry of Lands for urgent action. The unrest, centered on the Koguta Clan in Muhoroni Sub County, has already left one person dead and three others hospitalized.
In a statement on Monday, Governor Nyong’o voiced deep concern over recent clashes in Thesalia, Bogwo, and Bangla, stressing that the Koguta Clan are the lawful owners of the disputed land.
“The National Land Commission lawfully allocated this land to the Koguta Clan. That administrative decision was subsequently subjected to judicial scrutiny and affirmed by the High Court of Kenya. The Koguta Clan are therefore not squatters or intruders in the space they occupy,” he said.
The governor condemned the involvement of hired militia and goons in the dispute, describing such actions as unacceptable and outside the law.
“Kenya is a nation governed by the rule of law. The harassment of elders and the use of force against unarmed citizens is unacceptable and wholly inconsistent with our constitutional order,” he stated.
Governor Nyong’o urged security agencies to act swiftly, investigating the incidents and holding accountable anyone financing or directing illegal groups.
He pointed out that the lack of clear physical boundaries for the land has worsened the conflict. To address this, he has written to the Ministry of Lands requesting technical assistance for the Koguta Clan. The support he seeks includes fast-tracking the survey and beaconing of the land, facilitating its subdivision in line with the National Land Commission directive, and ensuring orderly settlement of the rightful owners.
While stressing the county government’s commitment to reviving and sustaining the sugar industry, Governor Nyong’o emphasized that investors’ interests cannot come at the expense of citizens’ rights.
“We cannot and will not stand by as the rights of our citizens are trampled through intimidation, violence, or extra-judicial action,” he said.