Embu residents have been cautioned against falling prey to fraudsters conning people in the name of enlisting them for land allocation in the controversial 44, 000-acre Mwea Settlement Scheme in Mbeere South Constituency.
The alert was issued by Nyangi Ndiriri Council of Elders, who claimed the conmen were asking unsuspecting locals to give between Sh6, 000 and Sh14, 000 to get registered as beneficiaries.
They said the fraudsters were duping innocent people to hurry up to register as the process of subdivision was almost complete and allocation will be done on a first come, first served basis.
Council Chair Andrew Ireri said it had come to their notice that the scam was widespread and had extended as far as the neighbouring Kirinyaga County.
He said those involved in the scam were using the council’s name to swindle people of their money and asked residents to be wary of the ongoing fraud.
Ireri clarified that registration of all beneficiaries was long done and the names submitted to the Ministry of Lands.
Besides Nyangi, other groups claiming ownership of the disputed scheme include the Ngome Clan and communities already in occupation.
The government in 2018 suspended subdivision of the land after fatal clashes erupted over ownership, leading to the death of one person while scores were injured.
County Commissioner Jack Obuo early this year said the government was working to solve the land tussle through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
He said the talks will include residents, interest groups, and the political leadership in an all-inclusive process.
By Samuel Waititu
