Tension mounts as squatters, farmers' association clash over 23,000-acre Laikipia land

A dispute over the ownership of more than 23,000 acres of land in Thome Location, Rumuruti Division, Laikipia County, is escalating, pitting a farmers’ association against squatters from pastoralist communities.

The land is legally owned by over 5,000 members of the Mathira–Kihundui–Kahonoki–Gitaaraga Farmers’ Association, which acquired it in 1974. However, despite subdivision of the property, members have never settled on the land located in Mathira Village, leaving it vulnerable to occupation by squatters.

According to the association’s chairman, Mr Dominic Munyiri, the prolonged absence of the registered owners allowed members of pastoralist communities to move onto the land and claim ownership.

“The land was subdivided years ago, but members did not take up settlement. This created an opportunity for invasion,” Munyiri said.

The squatters, however, argue that they have lived on the land for over 38 years and were shocked by recent eviction threats, especially after the association sold part of the property.

The chairman confirmed that the management committee has already sold 2,000 acres to an investor planning to undertake large-scale agricultural production. He added that the remaining land is available for sale to interested buyers.

Tensions ran high during a meeting held at the disputed land, where squatters led by Kadili Kaishu and John Lekurtutu insisted they had occupied the land for decades without objection from the registered owners or authorities.

“No one questioned our presence here for years. It is unfair to suddenly evict us,” the squatters said.

Laikipia West Deputy County Commissioner, who chaired the meeting, ruled that the Mathira–Kihundui–Kahonoki–Gitaaraga Farmers’ Association remains the lawful owner of the land and retains the right to dispose of it, having presented valid ownership documents.

However, he noted that squatters or any other interested parties were free to formally express interest in acquiring the land through negotiations with the association’s management committee, subject to due process and legal requirements.

Despite the clarification, the squatters vowed not to vacate the land, insisting they have ownership rights over the portions they occupy, setting the stage for a potentially protracted dispute.