National Land Commission vice chair Abigael Mbagaya claims her life in danger

NLC vice chairperson Abigael Mbagaya Mukolwe

Nairobi, Kenya: The National Land Commission vice chairperson Abigael Mbagaya Mukolwe claims her life is in danger.

She recorded a statement at the Kilimani police station Wednesday afternoon, saying she feared for her life and demanded security.

Mbagaya says unknown people dropped a letter in her office threatening to kill her. The letter referred to a piece of land in Mumias.

“Abigail, we had hope in the National Land Commission for justice in Mumias. We didn’t know that you are that cheap. You are a Maragoli and doing that for your brothers to acquire land in Mumias. You have a home in Musanda and we are seriously after you. We shall kill you,” read the brief letter.

After she received the letter she called the commission security and few commissioners present who advised her to record a statement.

“I don’t know who they are and what they want from me and that is why I fear whoever they are, they may harm me and I have sought police protection,” she said.

NLC Chief Executive Officer Tom Chavangi said he had requested for enhanced security for the commissioners.

“We don’t want to take chances when it comes to someone’s life. We have asked concerned authorities to ensure we are safe,” said Chavangi.

Mrs Mbagaya recorded her statement with the CID officers at the station and left them the letter that was delivered to the office in an envelope.

She said she will not be cowed by such threats to abandon her work.

“I want to assure Kenyans that my colleagues and I will not be cowed to stop serving them. We will soldier on,” she said.

Police said they would investigate the origin of the letter, motive and those behind it.

Kilimani police boss Peter Katam said a team of detectives from the CID is pursuing the matter.

The commission is supposed to monitor land use policy, settle disputes, manage funds, establish county land management boards, assess taxes, land registration and create public rights of way.

The commission is also supposed to issue allotment letters of such land to individuals, by working in consultation with respective County Governments.