Murang’a County Commissioner Issues Warning Against Illegal Occupation of Land Ceded by Delmonte Company

Murang’a – County Commissioner Patrick Mukuria has put a firm warning in place for residents unlawfully encroaching on land ceded by Delmonte Company Limited to the county government. The warning comes in the midst of ongoing construction work for a Level-5 hospital, which has been repeatedly disrupted by claims of land ownership from a local group.

According to a new release by Kenya News Agency, the stern warning was given during the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kenol town, Murang’a south sub-county. Mukuria stated that legal action would be taken against individuals found illegally occupying the land, which spans 1,400 acres and was allocated for the purpose of infrastructural development.

“The invasion of the government’s land has been rampant in this county, and we will not allow this to continue,” said Mukuria. He also cautioned against fraud committed by illicit land brokers, who claim to be able to sell the government-owned land.

Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who attended the event, stated that the county legally owns the land, which was given by Delmonte Company for developmental projects including the construction of the Level-5 hospital. Kang’ata noted that although construction has commenced, it is facing setbacks due to the activities of neighboring residents claiming ownership.

“Those demanding to own part of the land need to shelve their interests and allow the construction of the hospital to proceed,” Kang’ata said. He also emphasized the necessity for police action to secure the land, revealing plans for other projects like an industrial park on the same land.

Maragua MP Mary Waithera also weighed in, urging police to safeguard the land from illegal claims. She said that the land is earmarked not just for a hospital but also for an industrial park and economic zone, aimed at boosting social and economic development in the county. Waithera also called for unified action to combat the ongoing issue of alcoholism in the area.