Meru-Isiolo Border Residents Call for End of Land Dispute

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David Muchui, isiolo, Kenya, Meru, Meru County, National, Peter Munya, Territorial dispute

By David Muchui

A section of residents in border areas whose ownership is disputed by Meru and Isiolo Counties have called on the county governments and National land commission to fast track the resolution of the dispute.

The residents of Chumvi Yarre, Chumvi,Tractor,Kiwanja, Kisima, Lowangila, Gambela and Epiding areas who argued that they belong to Meru County since all developments in the area have been spearheaded by Tigania East CDF and District development committee.

Isiolo County Assembly has set up a 10 member committee to look into the boundary dispute where the leaders have accused Meru County of encroaching on the disputed land.

Speaking in Meru town, members of the various communities living in the disputed areas led by Muthara Ward County Representative Andrew Kobia called for issuance of title deeds to avoid losing their land.

“The disputed areas have been in Muthara Ward in Tigania East of Meru County. Isiolo leaders should desist from playing politics with land issues and respect our territory. The land is in Meru County and our recent visit to Tractor area cannot be termed as encroachment,” Kobia said.

Mr Joseph Kalapata, a resident said that Meru County has set up a police post, upgraded roads and set up a livestock market in the area yet Isiolo leaders have never raised concern.

“For long we have not been recognized as residents of Meru until the new constitution was inaugurated and the maps ascertain that we belong to Meru County. We are shocked to learn that our land is under dispute yet it is clear that we are residents of Tigania East,” Kalapata said.

Ms Fransisca Nasieku, a resident of Kiwanja said there is need for residents to be issued with title deeds to avoid losing land to investors eying the area due to the proposed Resort City and the LAPSSET project.

They called for peace among the border communities while leaders seek to resolve the brewing dispute.

The dispute has been fueled by a recent visit by Meru Governor Peter Munya to the areas bordering Isiolo.

ENDS…

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