You don't have power to take NLC functions away, Ruto told

The President, while speaking at the Isiolo Boys School on Sunday, purported to strip the NLC of its mandate to evaluate and value land for compensation. Ruto purported that NLC is corrupt and that the Ministry of Lands will take over its functions for fairness and accountability.

However, KLA cautioned that the President has not power to amend the Constitution, from which the commission derives its authority.

"NLC as currently constituted has not conducted any major valuation for compensation in which corruption was perpetrated and the President should give specifics on how the commission was involved," the statement said.

According to KLA, the ministry has a reputation for cartels, who collude with State and public officials to fraudulently acquire public and private land.

Allube added from history, the ministry does not inspire confidence in its capacity to protect communities from land grabs and irregular allocations.

While commending the President's bid to fight corruption, the group urged him to ensure officials found culpable were punished.

"Specific corrupt officials at NLC should be brought to book and the President, who is a symbol of national unity, should protect communities impacted by government projects by ensuring they are compensated."

The group said Ruto disregarded the Land Act and his statement. "The Constitution further prescribes the NLC to perform any other functions prescribed by national legislation and not the Executive," said Allube.

"We will be on high alert for any legislation that might be proposed to give effect to this unconstitutional directive. If enacted, we will litigate against it."

The lobby claimed there is a trend to deny constitutional commissions and independent offices adequate budgetary allocations.

"There are instances where even if there is a budgetary allocation, the National Treasury either refuses to release allocated funds or do so close to the end of a financial year," read the statement.

The alliance also condemned the government's plan to set aside Sh816 million in four financial years to buy land for the Nairobi-Mau Summit road.