Kalung’a squatters in Surutia Village of Visoi Ward in Rongai Sub-county of Nakuru on Monday September 23, 2024 held peaceful protests over what they term is allegedly grabbed land that was meant for their settlement.
The squatters, majority of whom were casual labourers in the coffee farms that used to be owned by white settler by the name Bernado.
Addressing Journalists at Surutia Village, they said their plight started when the white Settle left the country in what he said his life was in danger.
The white settler is said to have left the locals in the hands of Kenyan government to address their resettlement concerns.
However, years down the line the squatters are yet to get justice despite numerous court battles.
They say, instead of getting justice, they have continued to be harassed by what they term as security personnel with a number of them being targeted through baseless arrests.
Led by area elder Philip Kuto, the squatters said they are worried with the happenings especially after unknown youth recently stormed the Village armed with arrows causing havoc injuring some of the squatters.
This, they claim happened at the watch of police officers.
The elder calling on President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua to ensure the matter is addressed.
They also called for an overhaul of security personnel in Rongai Sub County.
“We are worried that unknown youth can come to cause havoc here as police watch. We have no peace and even our children are not going to school,” he stated.
Sentiments echoed by Susan Lokero who claimed police are collaborating with some individuals to harass the squatters.
She stated that with the ongoing happenings, their lives in the Surutia Village is now at risk.
Ms Lokero appealed to Government through relevant Ministries to visit the area and address the escalating conflict so that they can have peace.
“For how long will these go on as the government watches? It is high time that action be taken and our welfare looked into,” she stated.
The script is same for Rosemary Buni whose son was arrested for a reason not known.
She says her son is still in police custody even though he is has no any criminal history, but used to work as casual at coffee farm.
Magdalene Jemutai is also bearing the scars after his husband was arrested over unknown reasons.
She says, things are now tough on her end as she has to take care of her 7 children single handedly
Denis Tabo a youth in the Village noted that police officers have been harassing the youth especially those who try to fight for their rights as squatters.
The youth called on government to ensure justice for the squatters and that their plight be addressed.
It should be noted that the squatters’ piece of land Kalung’a borders Tuiyotich area on one side and Koibatek Forest that runs all the way to border Molo.