Kisumu civil society groups have accused Kisumu County government of laxity in confronting persistent historical land grabbing in the county.
Speaking to Journalists on Tuesday morning at St Stephens Anglican Church in Kisumu, Malaika Foundation Programme coordinator Kevin Ogema said there is lack of popular participation within the devolved governance.
"We are specifically angered by the increased impunity in grabbing of public land in Kisumu town and its environs," claimed Ogema.
He added, "We suspect that highly connected political players, senior county officials in Kisumu are implicated and impacted directly or indirectly in unscrupulous means to grab public land for private gain."
Ogema alleged that Kisumu has failed to address the legitimate demands of the people of Nyalenda, Kondele, Kanyakwar, Kosele, Kolwa, Kajulu among other areas to address the issue.
"We recommend that urgent investigation of claims of land grabbing, misrepresentation of public land, fraud, illegal or irregular allocation of public land in the above mentioned areas be launched," said Ogema.
Malaika Foundation Programme Coordinator said National Land Commission (NLC) should urgently undertake intensive civic education and awareness on land rights.
"Through their sensitisation, vulnerable communities living in Kisumu and its environs will be empowered," added Ogema.
Coordinatoe Ogema said, "Article 60 of the new constitution encourages the community to settle land disputes through recognised local community initiatives stipulated in National Land Policy."