Lugari – Residents of Lugari Sub County are being warned about a fraudulent scheme involving the sale and registration of government-owned forest land. Local officials emphasized that these actions are illegal and could lead to serious legal repercussions for those involved.

According to a new release by Kenya News Agency, the government has not lifted the ban on settlements in its forests. Speaking at Lumakanda grounds, Ndaya stated, “Those individuals purportedly moving around registering the would-be beneficiaries and those accepting to be registered are doing so illegally.” Ndaya has directed Lugari Deputy County Commissioner Simon Mutai to coordinate with his Turbo counterpart to put an end to the scam.

Ndaya also urged the public to report incidents to the police to assist in the investigations and eventual prosecution of the fraudsters. The directive was supported by Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe, who initially raised the issue and called for action to protect residents from these scams. Mugabe also asked the government to issue title deeds to long-term squatters in Lugari Forest to safeguard them from fraudulent land schemes.

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula also called for urgent action from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation. “There is no way Kakamega leaders will sit back and watch those who elected them defraud people from other counties,” he said. Savula revealed that conmen have been asking for Sh15,000 from those interested in 50 acres in Lugari Forest and Sh5,500 from those interested in 7 acres, questioning the legitimacy of such land offers.