This archive report was first published on 25 September 2019.
At least 32 people were killed in a series of attacks by gangs in Matungu early this year, and over 100 victims are still nursing life-threatening injuries.
Residents claim the police are shielding suspects involved in land grabbing, and in some instances, security agents arrive brandishing fake court orders and title deeds to force innocent people out of their farms.
According to Western Region Deputy Police Coordinator Leonard Omollo, land grabbing is a leading factor in the region's high murder rate, with hotspots in Matungu, Lugari, and Chwele in Bungoma County.
Omollo said the regional security team has instructed the police to verify the originality of court orders before eviction is effected.
Residents of Matungu sub-county are demanding action against cartels and individuals involved in land grabbing, which has led to killings and displacement of locals.
Fernandes Barasa, a 75-year-old victim from Lung'anyiro village, has an eight-acre land with a title deed under his name issued on April 30, 1996. However, his land dispute dates back to 1972 when he borrowed Sh900 from his friend and gave him an acre to till for six years as payment for the loan.
Barasa's friend forged documents and allocated himself three out of the eight acres, and even took Barasa to court over claims he had sold him the land and wanted to evict him. The case was dismissed 10 years ago after the petitioner died.
However, in April this year, Barasa's friend's son came to demand the same parcel of land and even came with surveyors to sub-divide the land, but were repulsed by Barasa's sons.
Barasa reported the matter to the area assistant chief and the village elder, but they threatened to beat him up, saying he had sold his land and must vacate with immediate effect.
John Odhiambo Oduor, 58, another victim, has seven acres at Munami, but his neighbour, a relative of a local chief, destroyed the fence and extended the boundary by half an acre into his land on August 19, this year.
Residents are vowing to 'protect' their territory by all means, and Bishop Rashid Nanjira, a victim of land grabbing, warns unsuspecting buyers to be cautious of nonexistent parcels of land in Matungu.
