Residents of Lugari Sub County in Kakamega County have been encouraged to follow the correct procedure of buying and selling land to avoid future disputes and court cases.
Speaking during Jamhuri day celebrations at Lumakanda grounds, the area Deputy County Commissioner Simon Mutai said land –related conflicts are rampant in the sub county and can only be minimised through lawful dealings.
He disclosed that the sub county now has its own land registry and residents should make use of it to avoid conflicts in future.
Mutai said: “We now have our own land registry which will serve three sub counties of Lugari, Matete and Likuyani. Although the registry is still located in Kakamega town, plans are underway to move it to Lumakanda for ease of access.
I am therefore appealing to residents engaging in land transactions to start following the law and avoid shortcuts that will lead to disputes thereafter.”
Lugari Sub County Police Commander Julius Melly disclosed that most recent killings in the area are related to unresolved land disputes.
He stated: “In the last few months you have heard of people being killed and their bodies discovered thereafter. We have carried out investigations in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers and found out that most of the incidents are linked to land conflicts.
Similarly, most reported cases of people being threatened are related to land issues. However, if we can make land transactions rightfully with the assistance of the Land Controls Board all these issues of murders and threats will cease.”
On matters of security, Mutai who chairs the Sub County Security Committee assured residents of their security during the forthcoming festive season urging them to cooperate with security agencies and report any security threat for swift action.
By Melechezedeck Ejakait
