The Ministry of Cooperatives is facing scrutiny from a Parliamentary Committee on Lands due to alleged irregular dispossession of land valued at over Ksh 100 million in Machakos County.
The land in question, spanning over 500 acres in the prime areas of Kangundo Road and Athi River, was reportedly liquidated under highly questionable circumstances, leading to the displacement of thousands of families.
The Cooperative Society, mainly comprising of elderly members, has lodged a petition with National Assembly, seeking the reclamation of the land they claim was unjustly taken from them.
During a tense hearing, the Principal Secretary for Cooperative Development, Patrick Kilemi, faced a barrage of questions from MPs who expressed dissatisfaction with the responses provided regarding the liquidation process of the Cooperative Society’s assets.
The liquidator, Peter Wanjohi Kiama, was also put on the spot, with MPs demanding he clarify his alleged ownership of one of the contentious land parcels.
“Mr. PS your duty is not to sanitize those responsible for this mess but to some them out,”
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“And I want that Mr. Wanjohi who is seated next to you to come clean on if he owns this land parcel number 397 on Athi River Block 5, and how he came into its ownership,” said Kaloleni MP, Paul Katana.
Lawmakers express outrage over lack of urgency
Furthermore, the lawmakers expressed outrage over the Ministry’s perceived lack of urgency in addressing the plight of the original landowners, many of whom are elderly and ailing.
Kitui South legislator Rachel Nyamai criticized the officials, questioning how their conscience could rest easy while the land continued to be sold and resold, leaving the rightful owners languishing in poverty and suffering.
“It is unfortunate that people just next to you PS continue selling and reselling this land to date, as the owners continue languishing in poverty and suffering. How does your conscience rest with you,” posed Nyamai.
The complexity of the Drumvale Land dispute was acknowledged by the PS, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive investigation to unravel the web of events surrounding the contentious land issue.
“There is a problem at Drumvale. But I request that we look at it beyond the optics. Beyond the liquidator. It is a very complex issue. It is my pledge that we get as much information as possible,” said the PS.
The Commitee directive to the Cooperatives Ministry Officials
Additionally, the Committee Chairperson, Joash Nyamoko, directed the Ministry officials to go back and prepare more comprehensive responses to the questions raised, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
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The Cooperative Society, established in 1963 with the aim of uniting residents through shared contributions for land acquisition, has seen its properties transformed into residential and commercial developments by various investors over the years.
As the investigation continues, the Ministry of Cooperatives faces mounting pressure to provide transparent and accountable answers, ensuring that justice is served, and the rights of the affected community are protected.
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