More than 120 families evicted from a disputed piece of land in Kericho 21 years ago say they will move to the conflict-prone area identified for them despite insecurity fears.
The squatters, who have been living at a camp in Muhoroni following forceful eviction from the government-reclaimed Thessalia Holding Farm, have threatened to move in and occupy 220 acres at Kibigoro Plantation settlement scheme in Muhoroni.
The settlement lies on the conflict prone Kisumu-Nandi border. They had initially requested for government security but such has not been forthcoming, they say.
Four representatives of the Thessalia squatters said 120 families had paid Sh 10, 120 each in May last year and were to be allotted two acres at the border plantation. They accused the government of delaying the resettlement and that they would move into the land “regardless of whether security is provided or not in January.”
The government, they said, claimed the area was volatile and could not risk sending them there. They however challenged this demanding to know why their money was accepted for purchase of land they would not be allowed to inhabit.
“We want the government to secure the land because we are tired of begging for alms in camps. 20 years is not a short time; people have died here waiting to have normal lives,” David Okach, Dalmas Odwar, Alfred Mboya and Tom Saoke said.