SECRET Land Dispute Resolution Irks Mwea Residents

In a tense meeting held at Gategi trading centre, the residents, elders and opinion leaders of the disputed land accused lawyers allegedly working under the Ngome Council of Elders of initiating court-based mediation proceedings without involving the actual affected parties and their legal teams. The community fears the process is not only illegitimate but is also crafted to sideline the voices of the rightful land dwellers.

Shedrack Kilonzo, chairperson of the association representing the settlers living on the disputed land, led the charge, questioning the authority and intentions behind the silent mediation being carried out in court corridors. “We do not know who appointed those lawyers or who gave them the mandate to mediate on our behalf. We only recognize the ADR process as agreed with the Ministry of Lands,” he said.

Kilonzo added that a previous meeting with all stakeholders, held at the Ministry of Lands and chaired by the Cabinet Secretary in charge of lands Hon Alice Wahome, had resolved that a structured ADR process bringing all parties to the table was the only credible way forward. “Now, someone is trying to cook deals in the dark. But let them be warned, no resolution will succeed without our involvement,” he warned.

The Mwea land dispute, which dates back decades, involves claims of ownership between residents who have occupied the land for years and individuals claiming to possess title deeds. The latest attempt to bypass the agreed ADR framework, locals say, risks throwing the region back into renewed tension and uncertainty.

Washington Murangiri, a resident  echoed Kilonzo’s concerns, condemning the “underground behaviors” of some actors, which he believes mirror past mistakes that escalated the conflict. “These secret talks are a recipe for chaos. If we are not careful, this will reignite what we’ve been trying to heal from,” he said.

He further questioned the moral standing of the Ngome Council of Elders, who he said must come forward with clean hands if any meaningful resolution is to be achieved. “You cannot claim ownership and at the same time silence the voice of the people. That’s not how justice works,” he added.

Sila Mwaniki, another respected elder from the area, reminded the government that the community had fully embraced ADR as the only fair, inclusive, and non-violent method of ending the impasse. He called for immediate clarification from the Ministry of Lands on the alleged secret mediation and demanded a fresh convening of all stakeholders.

“We have waited patiently, and we still believe the government means well. But any attempt to cut corners will be resisted. ADR was not just a suggestion it was a government commitment,” Mwaniki emphasized.

Charles Munyi, another resident  lamented that the decades-long dispute had stalled development in the region. “This land could be home to modern housing, farming projects, and schools. But instead, we are trapped in endless wrangles,” he said, urging the state to expedite resolution efforts before the situation worsens.

The residents are now calling for the immediate halting of any unauthorized mediation processes and a recommitment by all players to the ADR path. They say they are ready to return to the table openly and transparently but only if the government facilitates it.