Government Spokesperson Charles Owino has moved to quell the disquiet surrounding the titling of Lungalunga Ranch in Kasemeni Location, Lungalunga, Kwale County.
Owino has told residents who were issued with title deeds measuring five acres each that the government will initiate a process to resolve the matter by bringing together the National Land Commission (NLC), the county government and the locals.
He said the issuance of the title deeds followed a master physical plan prepared by county government officers, who set aside 56,000 acres to settle the locals.
Speaking during a public baraza at Kwa Nyanje Social Hall in Lungalunga, the Government Spokesperson assured residents that all the title deeds were legitimate and had been issued from the 56,000 acres of land from Lungalunga Ranch that had been reserved as a settlement scheme by the County Government of Kwale.
"Land registry officers will come back here to do a proper survey and make sure all the residents who were given the title deeds have the 5 acres as according to the master physical plan," he said.
He also insisted that nobody should receive a title deed for less than five acres of land.
"Earlier we had no title deed at all but President William Ruto moved with effort to resolve your squatter issue therefore have the 5 acres first then afterwards we can have the discussion to have an additional," Mr Owino continued.
He also appealed to the locals to ensure that, as they consider being allocated additional land, some land is reserved for development projects such as universities, airstrips and other social amenities that will open up the area and improve livelihoods.
"I urge you all to avoid politicians and activists from politicizing the matter as we are working to make sure that each resident gets their rightfully 5 acres of land," he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Deputy Government Spokesperson Gabriel Muthuma, who noted that as the country approaches the election period, politicians affiliated with the opposition will spread a lot of propaganda about government programmes. He urged residents to disregard fake news.
"Disregard any propaganda brought forward about these title deeds or any other Government projects and programs because Politicians affiliated to opposition are out there with no agenda but to mislead Kenyans," Mr Muthuma said.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga also stated that President William Ruto's administration had made major efforts to resolve thorny land issues, especially in the Coast region, and that the errors that had occurred would be addressed.
"We assure all residents with complaints the errors will be sorted and everyone gets their title deed with 5acres of land according to the master physical plan," she said.
Owino urged Lungalunga Deputy County Commissioner Christopher Siele and lands officers to ensure that the matter is resolved within two months.
"Make sure the 5 acres land for every resident are issued within 2 months," Mr Owino said.
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