Irungu Macharia, the Western Regional Commissioner, has defended the recent demolition of buildings at Kakamega's Milimani estate that were located on government land.
According to the commissioner, the action is a component of the government's commitment to returning public land to its proper use so that vital development projects can proceed.
On September 1, the owners received a notice to vacate, asking them to leave by November 23, when the official demolition process was set to begin. This marked the beginning of the land recovery process.
"We have done our best to try and recover that land in Milimani Bloc B from the people who took it. The exercise began on September 1, and we have been doing it until November 23. That is when the first demolition was done. We have been doing the demolitions every day, and we are near completion," Macharia stated.
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Macharia continued by ending the rumors that some residents were being spared from demolition.
"This operation does not involve any sacred cows. All those present will witness the demolitions. As long as you are on public land, it doesn't matter who you are," he clarified.
According to Macharia, confirming the authenticity of documents has proven to be the most challenging part of the operation. He states that everyone needs to present identification as proof of ownership, which the people living in Bloc B have yet to be able to do.
"When we request supporting documents and you have a lease and document from the county showing that you have been paying land rates, most of the cases with land are caused by a lack of supporting documents, otherwise we conclude that you stole public land," Macharia said.
Another problem relates to expired leases. In some instances, renters have not renewed their leases after they expire, or the landowners have never followed up, rendering their claim to ownership void.
"We have noted that there are people who are operating on expired leases. Some who claim that they are the rightful owners of the land have surrendered their leases that are expired by up to 33 years."
Macharia reassured the populace that the government intended to return the land to the public for community development, dispelling rumors that it would be reallocated for private benefit.
"There had been talk that we are demolishing property so that we can give it to other people. But we want to assure citizens that this is a job we have been given to ensure public land goes back to the public. This land will revert back to the government. We are not just taking it to stay idle. We will use it for government development projects," he continued.
The commissioner defended the government's long-term plans for the reclaimed land, stating they are in the right direction.
"When we recover around 50 acres, the government will make plans to build houses, schools, roads, hospitals, and better-planned urban development," he stated.
