Squatters on Agricultural Development Corporation's Mau land warned

Former minister for East Africa Community Musa Sirma   [PHOTO:KIPSANG JOSEPH/STANDARD]

The National Land Commission (NLC) has warned some 2,000 squatters in Mau against invading 1,500 acres belonging to the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) in Tipis.

NLC County Representative Frank Kimbelekenya said the land belongs to the Government and has never been sold to individuals.

Speaking when he toured the expansive Scoff Estate accompanied by an ADC member, Mr Kimbelekenya said the commission would continue to protect public land from speculators.

"I want to assure ADC that the commission will not allow a single acre of land to be hived off for the purpose of resettlement," he said.

He told ADC to ensure that they put to use any idle land they own to avoid land speculators from invading.

"ADC must move with speed to put to good use any idle land that they own to stop land speculators from invading the farms, " he said.

Nakuru County Land Management Board Chairman Victor Prengei urged residents to follow the rule of law in acquiring land to avoid a situation that would create unnecessary tension and cause bloodshed in future.

"You must allow the land board to deal with the matter using the legal procedures instead of inciting violence," Mr Prengei said.

The land on which the corporation has planted wheat has been in controversy after residents encroached on some 200 acres that were idle.

According to ADC Managing Director Andrew Tumuingor, they had leased the land in 1968 to Scoff Estate, a lease which expired in 1982, but the management of Scoff decided to allocate the land to individuals.

"ADC has never sold the land to anyone or entered into any agreement with individuals purporting to have bought the land," he said.

He said the corporation is in court challenging the illegal occupation and they were in possession of all relevant documents pertaining to the ownership. Former Cabinet Minister Musa Sirma, who is a member of the ADC board, said his team would continue protecting corporation property.