A group of elders from Nyamache sub-county in Kisii have asked the government to give them authority to settle land disputes.
Led by Mzee Rashid Ombiro, they were on Monday unanimous that village elders have the ability to handle rampant land disputes in the area without any bias and in accordance with the law.
“The rate of land cases in this village [Rigena] is alarming and we need an urgent solution to it," Ombiro said.
"As elders, we are able to handle these cases and we urge the government to liaise with the judiciary to give us these duties. We are ready and able.”
He observed that many land dispute cases were slowly determined by the judiciary, adding that the cases can be handled by village elders who have knowledge of the land ownership in rural areas.
“These cases are piling in the courts and the process is taking long because it is difficult for the judge to know the truth," the elder said.
"We are on the ground and we understand everything with regards to land.”
He claimed that some people have lost their lives in the area following land disputes that could be handled and settled with the elders with ease.
“A number of people have died from land-related incidents. Some of these cases could have been easily handled by us and it is unfortunate,” he said.
Last year, Chief Justice Willy Mutunga astonished many people when he suggested that some cases could be handled at the village level or by use of witch doctors.