A storm is brewing in Huruma Ward, Uasin Gishu County, as residents, community leaders, and human rights activists are demanding the immediate repossession of a parcel of land currently fenced off by Raiply Company. The land, which residents say has historically been used for public purposes, is now at the center of a heated dispute, with locals accusing the company of land grabbing.
During a well-attended public participation forum held at Huruma grounds, Huruma Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Wakili Kimani Wanjohi led the charge, accusing Raiply of illegally fencing off land that rightfully belongs to the people of Huruma. “We were born and raised on this land. We grew up knowing it was community property, and we have used it for decades for public benefit,” he stated.
According to Wanjohi, historical records show that the land in question was compulsorily acquired by the government on September 7, 1978, under Section 19(2) of the repealed Compulsory Acquisition Act. Following the acquisition, a government caveat was immediately placed on the parcel, paving the way for essential infrastructure development in Huruma, including the construction of the Huruma Sub-County Hospital, the Kenya-Uganda Road, an oil pipeline, an access road to the Eldoret Sewerage Treatment Plant, and public recreation grounds.
“The land was handed over to the government by the late Malakwen Arap Sisiwa for public use. This man gave away part of his land freely — no compensation asked — so that the community could benefit. He gave us the grounds, the hospital land, even the MCA’s office space. We are now asking — where did Raiply come in? Who sold this land to them, and under what circumstances?” Wanjohi questioned.
Wanjohi further stated that when Raiply began fencing off the land, municipal council askaris arrived at the scene but later fled, raising even more questions. “If the land was indeed theirs, why did they run? What were they afraid of?” he asked. “They didn’t even bother to get government plans or approvals before fencing. They knew they were on public land.”
The MCA revealed that Governor Jonathan Bii, through the County Government of Uasin Gishu, had officially written to Raiply Company, giving them a seven-day ultimatum to remove the illegal fence. “That deadline elapsed yesterday, and as you can all see, the fence is still standing. This is a clear sign of defiance, and we will not take it lying down. I have vowed to fight until the land is returned to the people of Huruma.”
Residents also expressed concern over reports that a church is interested in purchasing the disputed land. “We have no issue with the church, but once they acquire it, it will be even harder to reclaim. They will hide behind religion and threaten anyone who challenges them. We are warning anyone attempting to buy this land — you are doing so at your own peril,” Wanjohi warned.
Local resident Mwanji challenged Raiply to produce concrete documentation proving ownership. “Let them bring the offer letter, the letter of acceptance, the allotment document, lease title, and receipts of payment going back to 1994. We also want to know who sold it to them. If they cannot produce these documents, then they have no business on our land,” he said.
Human rights activist Evans Odhiambo condemned the growing trend of land grabbing targeting the poor and marginalized. “There is too much corruption in the land sector. The rich are using their connections to grab land meant for the community. We’ve seen it happen in other places, but it won’t happen here. This land was handed over by Malakwen Arap Sisiwa to the government. That’s historical fact,” he said.
Odhiambo noted that community participation has always existed on the land. “As children, we played football here. We held meetings, events, public gatherings — this was our space. We will not allow Raiply to take it from us now.”
Adding his voice to the growing chorus, Eldoret Bunge Speaker called on the national and county governments to intervene. “This is a government utility. Raiply must surrender the land. We must support our MCA and the people of Huruma in this just cause.”
The community resolved that if Raiply does not remove the fence by Tuesday next week, they will take matters into their own hands. “We have been patient. We have followed all legal channels. But if no action is taken, we will remove the fence ourselves. We will not watch as our land is taken in broad daylight,” one elder warned.
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