Understanding the Moko Land Crisis and the Dark Reality of Land Grabbing in Kenya

 

 The ongoing situation in Moko, Machakos County, near Nairobi, has left many Kenyans bewildered. Many people invested in land bought from a land-buying company, only to find themselves embroiled in a dispute over ownership. While the details of this case may seem unclear, by the end of this show, everything will be made transparent.

To fully understand what's happening in Moko, we must first grasp the intricacies of land grabbing in Kenya, a process far more complex than many realize. It doesn't involve random individuals simply taking land by force. Instead, land grabbing in Kenya is a well-orchestrated operation involving powerful players: politicians, senior officials from the Lands Office, and other government figures. This practice has been perfected since the country's independence, with money changing hands and decisions being made behind closed doors.

Take this fictional example: a wealthy individual wants to build rental apartments but needs land. They identify a piece of land owned by a rural family, perhaps with little education or political influence. After assessing the family’s weaknesses, they go to the Lands Office, where, after exchanging money, they manipulate the system to claim ownership of the land. The family, often holding ancestral land, is left shocked, told to vacate without recourse, and if they fight back, their chances of winning in court are slim.

This is how land grabbing happens. In the Moko case, land once claimed as ancestral land is now at the center of a controversy involving both legal battles and political maneuvering. An essential clue comes from the history of East African Portland Cement, which has roots in the area dating back to 1933, long before claims of ancestral ownership surfaced. Despite the land's disputed history, banks have accepted the land’s title deeds and granted loans, giving a veneer of legitimacy to the transaction.

The situation at Moko highlights a larger issue: the precariousness of land ownership in Kenya today. No one, regardless of their social standing, can confidently say their land is secure from potential grabs. This underscores the deep-rooted corruption within the system that facilitates these illegal land transactions.

The Moko saga also involves key political figures, including those from Kangundo Constituency, who have made cryptic remarks about the issue, hinting at deeper political entanglements. These individuals benefit from deals made behind the scenes, further complicating the situation for the affected residents.

Despite a court ruling, East African Portland Cement has decided to sell the disputed land, giving priority to the current occupants. However, the high price of the land puts it out of reach for many, leading to concerns that only the politically connected will be able to afford it. In the end, this situation may lead to more suffering for the people of Moko.

The Kenyan government, despite its involvement in some corporate matters, has failed to intervene in the demolition of houses and the destruction of livelihoods. This raises suspicions about a hidden agenda in Moko, potentially tied to economic priorities and corporate interests.

In conclusion, the Moko crisis is a painful reminder of the state of land ownership in Kenya, where powerful forces manipulate the system for their gain, leaving ordinary citizens powerless. As the situation continues to unfold, it’s crucial to stay informed and understand the forces at play.