ODM Party leader Raila Odinga has accused President Uhuru Kenyatta of neglecting Coast residents by signing into law the Community Land Bill.
He said the move has made sure county governments do not have jurisdiction over communal land.
Speaking at Wundanyi, Mghange and Werugha during his tour of the Coast region, Odinga said Cord will seek the amendment of the law that prioritizes wildlife over human beings.
He said the county that will suffer most is Taita Taveta, as most of its land is occupied by ranches and the Tsavo National Park.
“This means 87 per cent of the total land in Taita Taveta will be in the hands of the national government. This is unacceptable. The Jubilee government values wildlife more than its people. Taita Taveta people have been killed by wildlife and their property destroyed, but the government has not paid them a penny as compensation,” said Raila.
The Cord principle also promised residents that if elected, his government will increase county funding to ensure Kenyans enjoy the fruits of devolution.
“Governors are having problems pushing for development because the money from the national government ends up paying salaries alone. That means little development will be achieved,” said Raila as quoted by The Star.
Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu echoed Raila's sentiments saying “The Lands Cabinet Secretary who is in Nairobi has powers to renew land leases. When they are issued, we shall not be aware and this is dangerous.”