Senate Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources today met with the petitioners on the Petition concerning the delayed degazettement of land in Lugari/Turbo Forest.

The Petition is based on complaints of delayed degazettement of land belonging to the squatters of the Mautuma Central Settlement Scheme, The petitioners allege that they settled in the land comprising the Lugari/Turbo forest way back in the year 1992 by former President the late Daniel Arap Moi and further claim that they are the legitimate occupiers of about 1,557.86 Hectares or thereabouts in the Lunga/Turbo Forest.

Despite their occupation, the petitioners told the Committee that, they do not have the legal title deeds for the said land which in effect, exposes them various risk such as, land grabbing, alien occupation and eviction, further petitioners have also been denied their right to property as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya and the benefits that come with ownership of tittle to land.

The petitioners claim that due process was followed including public participation, environmental impact assessment and approval by the Cabinet and Cabinet Memorandum was forwarded to Kenya Forest Services for processing.

Petitioners therefore pray that Committee call for the report from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry containing the recommendation for degazettement of the Mautuma Central Settlement Scheme, Committee to summons the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to Explain the reasons for the delay in the degazettement process and the Petition be dealt with immediately in view of the urgency of this matter and the seriousness of the issues raised.

Legislators resolved to invite Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate and Forestry along with National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to explain the reasons for the delay in the degazettement.

Members of the Committee present were Vice Chair Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi, Sen. Wahome Wamatinga, Sen. William Cheptumo, Sen. Agnes Kavindu and Sen. Beatrice Ogolla. Senator (Dr.) Boni Khawale and Lugari Member of Parliament Hon. Nabii Nabwera also attended the meeting in support of petitioners.