New details have emerged linking James Tendet, OCS Likia, to controversial land dealings in Muthera Farm, raising serious concerns among residents and farmers.
Community members are now calling on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the claims urgently.
Information reaching us suggests a pattern of “jurisdictional overreach,” where OCS Tendet allegedly leaves his station in Likia to handle matters far outside his area of operation. Critics argue this is not a matter of duty, but of “self-interest and greed,” fueled by hefty bribes from the fraudsters.
According to reports from residents, OCS Likia is accused of engaging with individuals identified as Francis Mwangi and Konene Nkurunah, who locals have linked to ongoing land disputes in Muthera Farm.
Community members state that the officer has been handling matters outside his official area of jurisdiction due to personal interests. These claims suggest possible abuse of office and conflict of interest — serious concerns in a region already grappling with sensitive land ownership disputes.
Allegations of Bribery and Abuse of Power
Residents further claim that the officer has been receiving bribes to intervene in land matters. While these allegations remain unproven, the accusations have fueled anger among farmers who say they are being intimidated rather than protected.
Muthera Farm, largely inhabited by small-scale farmers, has reportedly experienced rising tensions linked to land ownership disagreements. Locals allege that instead of ensuring law and order, the OCS has become “notorious” for what they describe as high-handed operations and harassment of residents.
Some farmers claim they have been pressured for bribes while simply tending to their land — allegations that, if verified, would amount to serious misconduct and corruption.
James Tendet, OCS, Likia’s Bribery and Abuse of Power
Residents further claim that the officer has been receiving bribes to intervene in land matters. While these allegations remain unproven, the accusations have fueled anger among farmers who say they are being intimidated rather than protected.
Muthera Farm, largely inhabited by small-scale farmers, has reportedly experienced rising tensions linked to land ownership disagreements. Locals allege that instead of ensuring law and order, the OCS has become “notorious” for what they describe as high-handed operations and harassment of residents.
Some farmers claim they have been pressured for bribes while simply tending to their land — allegations that, if verified, would amount to serious misconduct and corruption.
Reign of Terror in Muthera Farm
At Muthera Farm, farmers say the very officers tasked with protecting them have instead become a source of fear, with the local OCS facing serious accusations of high-handedness, impunity, and abuse of power.
Residents say he has used police machinery to harass and intimidate families working on what they describe as ancestral land, creating an atmosphere of tension where routine farming activities are disrupted by threats and constant interference.
Several farmers further allege that they have been compelled to pay bribes as an unofficial “fee” to continue cultivating their own crops, with those who resist reportedly facing arrests, harassment, or destruction of their livelihoods.
The situation is made worse, they say, by selective enforcement of the law, as the officer is accused of ignoring valid court orders and legally recognised land documents while allegedly favouring the interests of individuals identified as Mwangi and Nkurunah.
According to the affected families, this pattern of intimidation, extortion, and partiality has eroded trust in law enforcement and left them feeling exposed and unprotected on land they have occupied for generations.
Is IPOA, EACC shielding James Tendet, OCS Likia?
As pressure mounts over the unfolding situation at Muthera Farm, civil society voices and affected residents are now calling for urgent intervention by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct independent investigations.
EACC, which is mandated to probe corruption and economic crimes, is being urged to examine allegations of bribery and abuse of office, while IPOA, the body responsible for overseeing police conduct, is expected to look into claims of intimidation, misconduct, and actions said to be beyond the officer’s jurisdiction.
Given the gravity of the accusations, including alleged extortion and selective enforcement of the law, residents argue that only transparent and independent oversight can restore public confidence, uphold the rule of law, and prevent further escalation of tensions in the area.
It is important to note that these remain allegations, and no formal findings have yet been made public. Any investigation should follow due process, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Land disputes in Kenya have historically been sensitive and, at times, explosive. When law enforcement officers are accused of taking sides or engaging in corrupt dealings, the risk of community unrest increases significantly.
The actions attributed to OCS James Tendet are described by residents as a direct violation of the Public Officers Ethics Act and the National Police Service Act.
James Tendet is not only tarnishing the reputation of the police service but also undermining the livelihoods of Kenyan citizens who depend on their land to survive.
How can public trust in law enforcement be sustained, and who will protect ordinary farmers from those entrusted with enforcing the law?
Given the seriousness of the accusations, residents insist that only transparent, independent oversight can restore confidence, uphold accountability, and prevent further escalation of tensions in the area.
