Residents living around Yala Swamp in Siaya County have appealed to President William Ruto to intervene in a long-running land ownership dispute, saying their efforts to get help from local leaders have not produced the results they expected.
The residents claim that the contested land continues to attract new investments and sugarcane farming while questions about ownership remain unresolved. They want the national government to help establish who legally owns the land and ensure that their concerns are addressed.
The dispute has caused frustration among members of the community, who say they have spent time seeking assistance from elected leaders and relevant government institutions.
Residents Express Frustration With Local Leaders
Speaking during a press briefing, Yala resident Benard Mgele said residents had written to several local leaders seeking explanations and assistance but had not received responses.
Mgele mentioned MP Atandi, Ochanda and their area Member of the County Assembly (MCA), accusing them of failing to offer the support the community wanted.
“We gave Hon Atandi a letter, but he has not responded. We also gave Ochanda a letter, but he has not responded. Even our MCA has refused to come and help us in this case,” Mgele said.
The resident added that the community had decided to take a more active role in pursuing a solution instead of depending on politicians.
“We are fighting it now as a community, and we don’t want these politicians again in this war,” he said.
The residents believe that continued delays could make it harder for them to secure a resolution to their concerns.
Appeal to President William Ruto
Another resident, Omondo Okoth, called on President Ruto to intervene, arguing that the community feared losing access to the disputed farm if the matter remained unresolved.
“Our President, Mr William Ruto, should intervene to help us reclaim our land because there are so many games being played here. If things continue like this, we are not going to get this farm,” Okoth said.
The residents want the government to clarify the land’s ownership status and explain what steps will be taken to address their complaints.
Their appeal places pressure on the relevant authorities to communicate clearly with the affected community and provide information about the dispute’s progress.
National Land Commission Mentioned
The residents claim that the National Land Commission (NLC) had directed the Siaya County Government to address the matter. However, they say they have not seen enough progress.
The NLC is among the institutions associated with land administration and historical land injustice matters in Kenya. Any final determination of ownership would need to follow the relevant legal and administrative procedures.
The dispute also raises concerns about the relationship between land ownership, farming activities and new investments in the Yala Swamp area.
As residents seek presidential intervention, they hope the matter will receive attention and that the relevant authorities will provide a clear path towards resolution.
The Siaya County Government, the NLC and the leaders named by residents had not responded in the material available for this report. The residents’ claims about ownership and the handling of the dispute have not been independently verified.
