Owners of the controversial Muri farm in Masinga sub-county of Machakos are now a happy lot after they received their land title deeds after decades of land ownership wrangles and battles.
The title deeds for the over 2066 acre parcels of land were on Tuesday handed over to the residents at a colorful ceremony organized by both the county and national government officials
Speaking during the issuance of the title deeds in Masinga, the Machakos Governor, Dr. Alfred Mutua said this was a reprieve to the land owners who had suffered for so long without knowing their fate.
“Today is a culmination of a long journey that began in 1933. Thanks to many endless meetings between the Muri farm residents, the able team from the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) led by Frankling Bett, and my government,” said Dr. Mutua
He noted that this was as a result of a waiver for planning and survey charge of Sh. 6 million from his county government.
“Finally they have a sense of belonging, without fear of eviction notices or disputes among themselves. All the selfish politicians who kept using the Muri farm to fan for tribal disputes have been put to shame today,” said Dr. Mutua.
Governor Mutua vowed that his government will fight the vice of corruption and elect progressive minded leaders.
“My desire as a transformative leader is to see a strong economy and money in the pockets of our people and this is true testimony that if we work together we will achieve great things,” he added.
The Muri farm is mostly owned by elderly persons and has in the recent past been hit by wrangles with some people allegedly trying to con the rightful owners alleging an unsettled loan dispute.
The residents have also suffered a series of violence from selfish land grabbers and politicians whose aim was to grab and benefit from the prime parcels of land.
By Rachael Kilonzo
