Thousands of households in Trans Nzoia call for the cancellation of a 1978 government decree
More than three decades after being evicted from their homes, over 3,000 families in Trans Nzoia County are still waiting for justice. The families were displaced from over 10,000 acres of land that were formerly Soroson, Smith, and Parkinis farms, with the eviction taking place after a Kenya Gazette notice was published on August 25, 1978.
Patrick Kisiero, a local leader, stated that several parcels, including the former Soroson LR 6992/2, Smith LR 6950/3, Wallob LR 11122, and Parkinis blocks, were unlawfully declared part of Makunga Forest. Kisiero emphasized that the community consists of three categories: the original settlers, farm workers from 1963 to 1971, and forest laborers brought in later. All of them demand justice.
The families argue that the gazettement was politically motivated and unjustly deprived them of land they had legally acquired. Former Trans Nzoia Deputy Speaker David Kapoloman described the gazettement of the land as "hurried and irregular".
The Kenyan government has acknowledged the historical injustices related to the 1978 Gazette Notice and is undertaking processes to review land ownership claims and facilitate restitution to the affected families. However, despite purchasing the parcels from the government, the families have been without homes for nearly two decades. Roselyne Chesumbai, one of the displaced residents, expressed their ongoing suffering, saying they have been without homes for nearly two decades despite purchasing the parcels from the government.
Many of the children of the displaced residents are now illiterate and trapped in poverty. Boniface Wanyoike, a human rights defender with the Centre for Justice and Peace, urged the government to act promptly and either resettle or compensate the families to restore their dignity. Francis Kotii, chairperson of Kokwo Cooperative Society, emphasized that the community can no longer live as squatters.
The land was initially designated to supply pulpwood to the now-defunct Pan Paper factory. The matter has been raised in Parliament by Mt. Elgon MP Fred Kapondi in 2009 and Endebess MP Dr. Robert Pukose in 2016, but no solution has been achieved. The evictees are urging President William Ruto to intervene and order the degazettement of the land so they can return to their farms.
Wanyoike highlighted the immense suffering the families have endured, and he urged the government to act swiftly to address this long-standing issue. The families' plea for justice and restitution continues to resonate, as they strive to reclaim their homes and their dignity.
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