lowereas
The Kitui County Government has strongly opposed the ongoing subdivision of Yatta B2 Ranch in Kanyonyoo, arguing that the process is illegal and contrary to the status of the land, which remains public property under an existing lease agreement set to expire in 2064.
Speaking on the matter, Kitui County Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Frederick Kimanga, stated that the county government does not recognize the ongoing land subdivision exercise. He maintained that the ranch land is not available for individual allocation and that any attempts to divide it among private individuals are unlawful.
Kimanga revealed that the county government has already written to the Kitui County Security Committee seeking intervention to halt the exercise and ensure that the law is upheld. He emphasized that public land must be protected from illegal encroachment and unauthorized allocation.
The dispute has attracted widespread public interest, especially after reports emerged that individuals overseeing the subdivision exercise are being guarded by heavily armed police officers. The presence of security personnel at the site has raised questions among residents and stakeholders regarding the legality of the ongoing activities.
However, Yatta B2 Ranch Manager Nicholas kakungi has defended the subdivision process, insisting that it will continue until all registered members of the ranch, estimated to be more than 4,000, receive their respective portions of land and title deeds. He argued that the exercise is aimed at benefiting the ranch members who have long awaited ownership documents.
The controversy has been further complicated by claims from squatters occupying another section of the ranch. The squatters reportedly obtained a court order stopping any subdivision of the disputed land pending the determination of the matter in court.
Despite the opposition from the county government and the existence of court proceedings, the subdivision exercise is reportedly continuing on the ground, raising concerns about the enforcement of legal directives and government authority.
Lower Eastern Digital Media is following up the matter with the relevant authorities seeking clarification from the Office of the Kitui County Commissioner and the Kitui County Police Commander regarding the ongoing exercise, particularly on why the subdivision continues despite objections from the county government and the reported court order.
The unfolding dispute is expected to spark further debate over land ownership, public land management, and the rights of ranch members and squatters. More details are expected as investigations and official responses continue.
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