Mavoko MP Patrick Makau has urged the government to resettle 'squatters' on the East African Portland Cement Company's (EAPCC) controversial land in Athi River, Machakos County.
Makau said the State, through the National Lands Commission (NLC), should issue land title deeds to members of the Mavoko/Syokimau Association who have been occupying the land for more than a decade now.
Speaking during a special meeting with the association in Athi River on Saturday, Makau said the 'squatters' are homeless yet the East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) land lies idle.
Makau said the land belongs to the local community.
"There's need for the government to hasten, issue the residents with title deeds and resettle them so that they can go on with their normal lives," Makau said.
The MP warned residents to be wary of conmen posing as land brokers out to defraud them.
His sentiments were echoed by Kinanie MCA Mark Muendo who said there have been cases of residents being conned by unscrupulous land brokers.
"Reports have reached my office that a lot of residents have lost their money after being issued with fake receipts for parcels of lands they haven't been issued with," Muendo said.
Muendo appealed to the government to move with speed and issue the land title deeds so that the residents can acquire the legal documents.
"For decades Mavoko people have lived like squatters, it's time they get their title deeds and live like other people," Muendo said.
He urged NLC to address historical land injustices in the region to ensure justice is served.
The association's chairman Pius Musembi said they are planning on having a Trust Fund that will benefit the members.
Musembi said the group members will be able to develop their parcels of land once they are resettled and issued with the title deeds.
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