Once again something has unfolded in Kenya that is a first. Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, a founding member of the UDA party (a day after her church was raided) lashes out at her own party leader William Ruto and even tearfully declares that her pain and tears will be paid for.
What does it all mean?
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A growing problem of people disobeying court rulings and occupying private property without permission has emerged in Kenya. It is deeply troubling that top police officers and goons openly disobey court rulings and demonstrate a pervasive sense of impunity.
Most land disputes in Kenya center on thugs acting on the orders of powerful people and illegally occupying private property. Lands that have been contested are seized by these thugs using rudimentary weapons.
The Worrying Trend of Land Grabbing Has Escalated During Ruto Administration
Cartels are frequently blamed for faking land titles and deceiving ordinary Kenyans, adding fuel to the fire of the country's mounting land grabbing crisis. The continued unlawful occupation of these lands by the thugs, in spite of court orders and verdicts supporting the legitimate owners, casts doubt on the efficacy of the country's judicial system.
Going Against Court Orders
A major obstacle to the administration of justice in Kenya is the disobedience of legal directives by senior police officials. A disturbing degree of impunity has been displayed by the police force, headed by senior officers, as they have persistently disregarded many court decisions ordering the removal of the unlawful inhabitants.
Important People's Involvement
Some high-profile cases involving famous persons, including members of parliament, and these land conflicts have recently surfaced. Claiming that cartels have taken over the property, they frequently lead mobs of goons in destroying buildings on disputed areas.
Judiciary Function
Because its directives have been flagrantly disregarded, the court, which is tasked with maintaining the rule of law, has found itself in a difficult position. Judges have stepped away from cases on multiple occasions due to the disregard for their instructions.
Horror: The Nakuru War Memorial Hospital Scandal
This type of disagreement is exemplified by the Nakuru War Memorial Hospital case. A private company and the Nakuru County Government got into an argument over the 25-acre plot of land where the hospital is located, close to Eldoret Airport. The county government asserted that the ownership papers were counterfeit and seized control of the hospital in spite of court rulings that had gone in favor of the private company.
Influential Politicians' Role
Notable political personalities have stepped forward to counter the growing land disputes. Their decisions, however, appear to occasionally benefit the illegal inhabitants, which only serves to inflame the tensions. Despite their good intentions, these political interventions frequently make matters worse rather than better in the end.
The Police's Central Function
Particularly unsettling is the police force's involvement in these conflicts. Not following the law, but senior cops have been seen supporting the illegal squatters, ignoring court orders, and adding fuel to the fire of impunity.
Victims' Tragedies
People who are rightfully supposed to possess the land end up being the ones who suffer the most as a result of these land disputes, which are caused by illegal occupations. They are unable to stop the widespread impunity and are left to witness the unlawful occupation of their properties, even though they have legitimate ownership documents and court decisions that support their position.
Ensuring Appropriate Enforcement
Given the current state of affairs, it is imperative that court decisions be duly enforced and that individuals exhibiting impunity face severe consequences. To preserve legitimate landowners' rights and maintain the rule of law, the Kenyan government, judicial system, and police force must collaborate.
It is critical that Kenya's land issues be resolved without delay; the current climate of impunity is intolerable. Factors adding fuel to the fire include high-profile people' participation, the police's activity, and the disobedience of court orders. Strict action is needed by the Kenyan government to address this matter, maintain peace and order, and safeguard the rights of its inhabitants.
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