Murkomen, Wahome Under Fire for Skipping Senate Probe into Alleged Land Grab in Two Rivers

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 29 – Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome and her Interior counterpart Kipchumba Murkomen came under sharp criticism from senators on Wednesday after failing to appear before the Senate Lands Committee to answer questions over alleged intimidation and attempted land grabbing at Two Rivers Crescent Estate in Ruiru, Kiambu County. The committee had summoned the two Cabinet secretaries to respond to claims by residents that armed goons had been deployed to harass and intimidate landowners in a long-running ownership dispute. Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa led the criticism, saying the absence of the two ministers undermined the seriousness of the allegations, which include violent attacks, attempted evictions and destruction of property.

“It is unfortunate that residents who legally acquired their land are now living in fear after being targeted by individuals acting on behalf of an untouchable person. That is why we wanted the Cabinet Secretaries for Lands and Interior to appear before this committee,” Thangwa said. He told the committee that the affected homeowners, some of whom are retired public servants, bought their plots from the family of the late former Director of Intelligence James Kanyotu but are now facing attempts to force them off the land by an individual claiming ownership.

Committee chairperson Mohammed Faki told senators that Wahome had sought to be excused because she was attending a Cabinet sub-committee meeting chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, while Murkomen was attending a National Security Council meeting. Murkomen, however, submitted written responses to the committee. Thangwa questioned why the Lands CS had neither appeared nor submitted a written response, suggesting her previous role as an advocate for one of the interested parties could create perceptions of a conflict of interest.

“We are concerned that the Lands CS did not even submit a response. Before joining Cabinet, she represented one of the interested parties. Could that be why she is not taking this matter seriously?” he posed.

Residents who appeared before the committee painted a picture of sustained harassment dating back several years. Two Rivers Crescent Estate Residents Association chairperson Felisters Mwihia told senators that most homeowners purchased their plots as early as 2008 and were issued with valid title deeds after completi…