By Betty Luke
More than 200 residents of Burat ward in Isiolo have protested the planned registration of their land under the Central Community Land and demanded that it be done independently.
The furious locals said adequate public participation and civic education had not been done before merging of the ward with Bulapesa, Oldonyiro, Ngaremara and Wabera wards.
Speaking during a community meeting at Kakili area, the residents told off Governor Mohammed Kuti for sidelining them in the process saying their views and concerns must be considered.
Ms Consolata Lomilio accused the County Government for not involving the residents who will be directly affected by the registration exercise and demanded that their land be registered under Burat and not Central.
“We want to remain as a Burat location and register our land independently,” she said adding that they will Tuesday petition the County Assembly over the issue.
Mr Joseph Ntonja, who said he had lived at the area for more than 50 years, said the merging was aimed at benefiting few unscrupulous individuals and defrauding the owners of the land.
The residents also hit out at the Kenya Defense Forces School of infantry for allegedly erecting beacons on the disputed land despite a court injuction barring them from undertaking any survey or adjudication on the land.
The residents were issued with evition notice in August 2019 but a month later, got orders from a Meru Court stopping stpping the evictions until the matter was heard and determined.
The locals said the soldiers were erecting beacons at night and asked them to stop the exercise to allow the court decide who the rightful owner is.
Ms Joyce Nairesiae said they were patiently waiting for the court directions and verdict overt the matter and that they will respect the outcome.
“They (KDF) should respect the law and stop the exercise,” she said adding that if necessary for them to move, the government must come up with a compensation plan.
The residents want the County Government to rectify the mess and besides allowing them register their land independently, ensure that court directives are strictly followed.
“We are appealing to President Uhuru Kenyatta to look into the issue and ensure our land is not grabbed,” said Ms Kuresha Bille.
