President Ruto’s administration has taken a step in initiating the long-awaited land adjudication process for the disputed 17,000-acre South Ngariama ranch in Mwea East Sub-County, Kirinyaga.
Assistant Director for Adjudication and Settlement in the Ministry of Lands, Ezekiel Kiania, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our duty here is to ensure that the rightful owners get their title deeds, and to amicably resolve any arising issue. We urge for peace and patience as we seek a solution to this problem, under the leadership of President Ruto.”
The adjudication exercise follows a court order issued by Justice John Mutungi, directing the ministry to resolve the longstanding disputes that have plagued the area for over three decades. This development has reignited optimism among the approximately 8,000 residents who have been awaiting land ownership documents for an extended period, a testament to the commitment of Kenya Kwanza’s administration to addressing longstanding issues.
Nancy Wanjiku, a resident, expressed the community’s collective relief, highlighting the potential for the adjudication process to bring an end to longstanding conflicts. “With the government initiating this crucial process, there’s newfound hope that this longstanding conflict will be laid to rest under the leadership of President Ruto,” she remarked.
Governor of Kirinyaga, Anne Waiguru, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the issue, emphasizing that the issuance of title deeds in South Ngariama is a priority objective for her current tenure. “We are resolute in our mission to secure title deeds for the rightful 8,200 families and reclaim unlawfully appropriated public land, ,” she said.