By Faith Matete
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has raised alarm over an alleged attempt to take over county land in Maseno township, warning that his administration will pursue legal action to stop the planned eviction of tenants.
Nyong’o said the county had not approved the proposed use of a five-acre land hosting 30 county housing units for the Affordable Housing Programme.
He said neither consultations nor formal agreements authorising the transfer or relinquishment of the land had been undertaken, adding that the houses generate rental revenue for the county.
Tenants and county staff occupying the houses have been asked to vacate by October 20, allegedly on the grounds that the governor had sanctioned the exercise.
In a statement issued Monday, Nyong’o denied authorising the move, saying no development plans had been submitted for county approval and that the relevant county department had not approved any Project Development Plan.
He said the county CEC for lands had not granted consent, while his cabinet nor the county assembly had approved the relinquishment of the property.
“The county’s equity share and other ownership or financial interests in any transfer or commitment of the land remain unclear,” Nyongó said in the statement.
Nyong’o warned that public land could not be taken over through informal arrangements, verbal assurances or financial inducements, arguing that any development involving county property must follow the law.
He also questioned suggestions that a “facilitation fee” could justify the eviction of tenants or legitimise the occupation and transfer of public land.
“No payment, inducement, informal arrangement or verbal assurance confers lawful rights over public land without compliance with prescribed procedures,” he said.
The governor said the Maseno incident was part of a wider pattern of reported encroachment on public property in Ahero and Muhoroni.
He also cited the demolition of an Early Childhood Development Centre in Kisumu City over the weekend, which the county said had been reported to the police.
The county expects a thorough investigation into the demolition, Nyong’o said, warning that public facilities serving children and communities must be protected.
He said the county will pursue legal remedies, including injunctions, to stop any unlawful eviction, occupation, construction or transfer of the disputed property.
The governor maintained that the county supported development initiatives, including affordable housing, but insisted that such projects must respect public ownership and the legal responsibilities of the institutions involved.
“No programme, regardless of its objectives or national importance, stands above the Constitution," he said.
