Jimmy Wanjigi has castigated the government over the continued oppression of Ndabibi residents in the ongoing row over ownership of a 5,000-acre land in Naivasha.
Wanjigi vowed to advocate for local residents in the land tussle that has recently seen President William Ruto named as an interested party.
Recently, Naivasha Member of Parliament and deputy chair of the National Assembly land committee Jayne Kihara said the President has bought the land that was formerly owned by Benjamin Kipkulei, an aide of former President Daniel Moi.
However, Wanjigi said Kipkulei’s claim to the land ownership was quashed by the court that ruled that the aide did not produce original documents for the land which formerly belonged to the ADC.
Wanjigi at the same time criticised the deployment of hundreds of police officers allegedly to protect the land that has faced multiple invasions noting that the court ordered them to vacate the land pending a hearing and determination of the ongoing case.
“The government should lead by example and obey court orders including the order to vacate police officers from the land in question,” said Wanjigi.
The Safina Party member, who was speaking in Naivasha, said he recently secured the release of locals who were arrested and charged for allegedly invading the land.
In addition, Wanjigi said he would transverse the country and flag an increase in land-grabbing cases in Naivasha, Kilgoris, Marsabit, Kajiado, Taita Taveta counties.
On her part, MCA Jane Gituku decried the continued oppression of locals whom she said have the right to claim ownership of the land.
She lauded efforts to ensure the land is returned back to the community.
According to former CAS Zack Kinuthia, the government’s deployment of over 500 police officers to guard the land is unconstitutional as it was illegally allocated to the President.
Kinuthia said he will not relent in fighting for the democratic rights of residents who have been subjected to detention without trial.
On his part, lawyer Ndegwa Njiru said he will fight for the accused in court until they get their freedom adding that the locals have faced oppression over their battle to win the land back.
