The National Land Commission (NLC) has nullified title deeds and leases issued to private developers in Samburu North and Taru ranches in Kwale County, saying they were illegally acquired.
With the Kwale County government, the NLC also said an alternative dispute resolution process will be started immediately between Nyari Sisal Estate owner, Mombasa tycoon Swalleh Nguru and the residents.
Speaking on Wednesday during the third public hearing on land injustices at Samburu in Kwale as ordered by Governor Salim Mvurya, NLC Deputy chairman Abigael Mbagaya suspended all transactions on the Samburu South ranch until its ownership status wrangles are resolved.
"All transactions on the Samburu South Ranch are hereby suspended," said the NLC Deputy chairperson Abigael Mbagaya at Samburu Administrator's office during the 3rd public hearing ordered by Governor Salim Mvurya.
The ranch chairman Dzivo Mdoe Dzivo told the commission that many individuals had sold several parcels of land under clan ownership to private companies and individuals even though the land is within the bigger group ranch.
Several lawyers attended the session to defend their clients over the sale but the commissioners would hear none of it.Mbagaya said the ranch would be dissolved and each member given their plots individually.
Kwale County CEC for Land Ms Saumu Beja Mahaja said the county would work closely with the NLC and national government to make sure all the land injustices and disputes are resolved, as directed by Governor Mvurya.
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NLC and county officials will move into Nyari Sisal Estate and also arrange a meeting with the owner to start the resolution process.
The sitting was the third after Matuga KSG and Mwavumbo on Monday and Tuesday where drastic decisions were also taken to revert land and ranches to indigenous owners.
Governor Mvurya initiated the public hearing sessions, investigations and inquiry following numerous complaints from citizens over historical land injustices.
Recommendations from the sessions will start being implemented from now through next year in collaboration with the County, NLC and the Ministry of Land.