This archive report was first published on 15 September 2021.
On September 14, 2021, residents of Yare in Samburu North held a demonstration along the Maralal-Kisima road to protest an alleged attempt by a land speculator to evict them from their land in Muramur.
The land, which spans over 10,000 acres, belonged to the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) and was donated by President Uhuru Kenyatta for the expansion of Maralal town.
According to residents, they were told to buy the land or go back to their homes, despite fleeing insecurity in Samburu North 30 years ago.
“We were told to go back where we came from yet the military was given alternative land. We fled insecurity and the problem is still there,” said Lorosio Lelua, a resident.
Local leaders were asked to refrain from taking sides and instead work with the government to settle the dispute.
“We are asking the government to solve this problem. We all want justice, and the Constitution is very clear that if you live in a place for more than 12 years un-notified, that place becomes yours legally,” said Jonathan Lenaitorono, a local leader.
