President William Ruto on Thursday addressed the rising cases of land grabbing in the country as hundreds of Kenyans stare at eviction from the late Billionaire Gerishon Kirima's land in Njiru.
Speaking during the flagging off of Motor Vehicles for Education offices in Kasarani, Ruto condemned the acts of impunity where fraudsters are faking land titles and conning Kenyans.
"What we must get rid of in the country is impunity. We all must play by the rules and we are all equal. The people who are willing to negotiate should do so that is the best way to go about it," he added.
Ruto was informed of a section of Kenyans who had built flats and residential homes around the Kenya Insitute of Special Education (KISE) without the necessary documentation.
Reportedly the institution occupied about 76 acres of land but currently 20 acres have been grabbed.
The Head of State revealed that the government was willing to come to an agreement with the owners of the building and avoid unnecessary demolition.
"I am told some people have built flats around this area, we will negotiate with them. We need the money to build factories, we shall divide the land and sell it to them at market value," Ruto declared.
He urged the area Member of Parliament Ronald Karauri to make plans with settlers on the planned land to draft a way forward.
"Karauri all your people, we have no problem with them we will do the valuation of the land, get the money and they can continue with their lives. Otherwise, you know the drill," he stated.
To avoid such cases, the President called upon the county and national government to facilitate a better form of settlement for such settlers.
He emphasised by doing so, Kenyans will be saved from losing their property through demolitions and the government will use the funds for development projects.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja was also at the event and emphasised that the county must regularise the settlement process.
"Many of the victims were third-party buyers. As a county we will liaise with the Ministry of Land and the regional commissoner with your permission Mr President, we will hold a discussion with the families in Njiru to find out a way they can pay for the land. We cannot go and demolish over 6,000 houses," he remarked.
