Deputy county commissioner under probe over Al-Shabaab links

Narok County Commissioner Isaac Masinde at a past function. He said investigations are underway into claims a deputy county commissioner has links with terror group al-Shabaab. [File, Standard]

Detectives in Narok County are investigating a deputy county commissioner after allegations that he has links with the Somali-based terror group al Shabaab links.

This follows a video circulating on social media, in which the administrator is allegedly heard threatening a group of people, warning them that he will visit the area with his people, Al Shabaab.

"I assure you today, me and my group, we are coming to spend the night here. Al Shabaab will be here," the deputy commissioner said and walked away.

In the video allegedly captured while on a disputed land, one of the residents is heard responding to the DCC to bring them (Al Shabaab).

Narok County Commissioner Isaac Masinde said he is aware of the incident and the matter is under investigation.

"I spoke personally to the DCC and he told me the clip going round was edited to suit a certain narrative, and that is why the Directorate of Criminal Investigations is probing the allegations," Mr Masinde said.

Disputed land

The family claiming the disputed land in Trans Mara has said they are living in fear and want action taken against the DCC.

Ampayion Laton, a representative of the family, called for speedy investigations into the matter.

The DCC and the family have been engaged in a legal battle over the parcel of land since 2016. In March, the DCC was ordered by the Environment and Lands Court in Kilgoris to vacate the land within 30 days after it was found out that the sale agreements in the land deal were not binding.

Justice Emmanuel Washe, in his judgement, noted that though the agreements for sale are purported to have been executed before an advocate of the High Court, none of them had a Certificate of Attestation to confirm that the contents of the agreements were explained to the parties and that they executed them voluntarily.

In the case, a woman, son, and daughter had sued the DCC and the Land Registrar Transmara. Sampayian Laton, Erick Saitoti and Valentine Laton (mother, son and daughter respectively) had named him and others as respondents in the case.

Sale of the property

She claimed their father entered into an agreement for the sale of the property with the DCC without informing the family. Jubat was then DCC for Transmara.

The DCC, in his testimony, denied claims the property was acquired through fraudulent means and pleaded with the court to dismiss the case.

The judge noted that the family had proved its case to the required standard and issued an order that the property was registered in the name of Konchellah in trust of his family members.

The DCC was then prohibited permanently from charging, claiming and or selling the property. He claims he has since lodged an appeal.