Keep land promise, minister told

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By AMINA KIBIRIGE akibirige@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Thursday, December 29  2011 at  22:00

IN SUMMARY

• Politicians accused of using squatters’ problems to gain votes during polls

Lands Minister James Orengo should keep his promise to buy land from investors and allocate it to squatters in Coast.

This is according to the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) secretary-general and nominated MP Sheikh Mohammed Dor.

Sheikh Dor said the minister had promised to solve the land problem in the area through the acquisitions.

“We shall follow up on Mr Orengo’s promise to pay Sh8 million to investors to buy land for squatters in Kisauni.

“If no action is taken, I promise to question the minister in Parliament,” Sheikh Dor said.

Speaking in Mombasa at a workshop on peace and election, the MP praised Coast provincial commissioner Ernest Munyi for his role in the fight against drugs.

He, however, refused to comment on the PC’s role in the recent demolitions.

Some leaders have asked the government to either transfer or sack the administrator, accusing him of being behind recent demolitions.

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But Mr Munyi has said he is acting on a court order.

Speaking during the same forum, CIPK organising secretary Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa accused politicians of exploiting the land issue in Coast to look for votes.

But once they get to power, they do not resolve the problem.

Sheikh Khalifa said the debate on land issues has not yielded any results over the years.

He urged President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to ensure that land disputes are permanently solved.

Enough security

This, he said, will reduce the number of squatters in the region.

“The President should ensure there is enough security and basic services are provided. Lack of these increases tension in the region,” said Sheikh Khalifa.