Youth from Igoji East, Meru County on July 16, 2024, took to the streets to express their frustrations and demands regarding an ongoing land dispute with the local Catholic Diocese.
Central to the protest was the alleged land grabbing by the Catholic Diocese of Meru, which has obstructed the construction of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) center in the region. This institution is meant to equip youth with skills and help them earn a living.
The community has been eagerly awaiting the establishment of the TVET center, which is expected to provide essential educational and vocational opportunities for local youth.
However, the community is decrying that the Diocese’s actions have continually hindered progress, leading to frustrations among locals.
In photos seen by The Kenya Times, the protests featured a significant turnout of passionate and determined young people who were chanting slogans and carrying placards as they marched to Igoji Boys, voicing their demands.
“We are tired of the diocese’s attempts to stop the TVET center from starting,” stated one demonstrator. “This land belongs to the community, and it is meant to benefit us all. We will not stand by while our future is jeopardized by those who seek to serve their own interests,” the protesters chanted.
The TVET center is viewed as a critical asset for community project as it represents a beacon of hope for many young individuals seeking practical skills and improved employment prospects.
According to the local community, the establishment of the learning institution is anticipated to offer substantial economic and social benefits, fostering growth and stability in the region.
Background of the Igoji East Land Dispute
Despite the peaceful nature of the demonstration, tension remains high as the community awaits a response from the Diocese after the youths of Igoji East made it clear that they will not relent in fighting for their rights and their community’s future.
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The parcel of land in question is located in Kinoru location, South Imenti Constituency along Kieni Kia Ndege – Mworoga road approximately 1.5 Km off Embu-Meru highway.
Measuring approximately 33.5 acres, the land is under proprietorship of Meru County Council reserved for Igoji Harambee Boys Secondary School.
The conflict stemmed from a public participation meeting held at Igoji Boys, attended by Meru County Governor Kawira Mwangaza, community members, and Diocesan representatives.
During the meeting, it was agreed that the Diocese-owned school should either be relocated or closed to allow the entire community land to be allocated for the TVET center.
NLC Roped in
The Diocese through its lawyer following the meeting, submitted a memorandum to the National Land Commission (NLC) seeking intervention. This memorandum, dated August 3, 2023, was received by the NLC headquarters on August 4, 2023.
In response, the NLC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) requested additional information, including the historical background of the school involved and comments from the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands and Physical Planning of Meru County and the County Director of Education.
Further, the NLC sought comprehensive information before making any decisions on the matter.
Despite the recommendations from the public participation meeting, the NLC county coordinator issued a directive that rubbed locals the wrong way.
This recommendation advised dividing the land into two equal parts, according to the NLC Letter to the Meru County CECM Lands, disregarding the community’s views.
Updates on Njerune Community Land Status
Notably, the community has sought clarity on the alleged illegal acquisition of land by the Diocese of Meru, culminating in the supposed issuance of a title deed. The green card has been updated accordingly.
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Questions have emerged as to how the Diocese of Meru obtained the title deed from the National Lands Commission office in Nairobi.
According to the community, it is suspected that the title deed and green card used by the Diocese of Meru to claim land ownership are not genuine.
The Njerune community on the other hand sought to reclaim the title deed from the Diocese of Meru, but court files are missing, and the matter was dismissed without a ruling.
Further, the church has allegedly obstructed various attempts by the community to utilize the land, including stopping youth from playing football on the ground, leaving the land idle.
Diocese Accused
The community believes that the church has held them hostage, with the Njerune community exploring options to have the land ownership documents in questions declared null and void.
Efforts by the community to reclaim the land have frequently failed, with issues dating back to 1995 when community members complained about the privatization of Igoji Harambee School without the consent of the wider community.
Local government officials and other stakeholders are now urged to intervene and address the conflict in a manner that prioritizes the welfare of the community.
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