Provision of Original Maps for Sagalla and Rukanga Ranches
Member of County Assembly (MCA) Hon. Abraham Juma has sought a statement from the Chairperson Committee on Lands and Human Wildlife Conflict on provision of original maps for Sagalla and Rukanga ranches.
Hon. Juma stated that the two ranches have a boundary row with the neighbouring Kasighau community expressing fears that the community risked being ejected from their ancestral land.
The Legislator affirmed that Sagalla ranch borders Mikamenyi, Gwaravindi, Kisimenyi -Matangini, Kale, and Kabombora villages while Rukinga ranch formerly known as Mayors ranch borders Sasenyi, Mwagwede and Makwasinyi villages.
“Mr. Speaker, these villagers have always lived in the above mentioned villages. It is shocking that the two ranches are now undertaking a survey in the various villages bordering the ranches claiming that the villagers have encroached into the ranches,” said Hon Juma.
He said the villagers are forced to part with Ksh. 200 for each head of cattle claimed to have trespassed the ranches, a fee which is unjustified and meant to subject the villagers into abject poverty.
The MCA asked the Chairperson of the relevant Committee to get in touch with the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Lands to halt the ongoing survey exercise until the issue is resolved amicably and at the same time present the original maps to the County Assembly for scrutiny.
The Chairpeson Public Investment and Accounts Committee (PIC and PAC) Hon. Christopher Mwambingu echoed Hon. Juma’s sentiments and said that land issues in the County are emotive hence should be given top priority.
Hon. Mwambingu said Kasighau residents have suffered land injustices in the past thus exposing them to land tussles which has left a number of residents landless.
The County Assembly Speaker, Hon. Maganga M. Maghanga asked the Chairperson, Committee on Lands and Human Wildlife Conflict to furnish the House with a report on the issues sought in a bid to avert future crisis in the expanse.
