Thika East Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Margret Mwaniki has sent a very clear message to the criminal gangs that are behind the violence in the disputed Mukunike land area, saying the security forces will arrest and bring to justice those responsible for the mayhem.
Mwaniki after holding a series of meetings with security officers, said the government is close to the situation and has already moved in extra personnel to stop more bloodshed and vandalism of property.
“The government is not going to allow the anarchy within the society to continue. Anyone found inciting or taking part in the violence will be dealt with in accordance to the law,” Mwaniki said.
On the one hand, the disputed land that has been the subject of lawsuits for seven long years has turned out to be the cause of the most intractable disputes.
Local people, squatters, and developers have been exchanging charges of harassment, illegal land sales, and violent eviction—although there are court injunctions that have put the transactions on hold and new developments have also been halted.
The incidents of fighting have led to families living in constant fear, schools and businesses have been affected, and also, the implementation of essential infrastructure projects is at a standstill.
The authorities maintain that they are committed to re-establishing peace and especially protecting those who are at liberty until the court process is over.