It is a relief for Barina Self Help Group members following an end to Barina land tussle in Ol Rongai ,Rongai sub county.
The members have been battling in court over ownership of the land, a matter that ended in their favour prompting them to occupy the land.
The 4803 acres piece of land is claimed by 8 groups with more than 700 members including 454 members who are squatters.
According to members, they have decided to construct structures and office to show the legitimate ownership.
Led by Barina Self Help Group Secretary Julius Kariuki, they noted that they have all the documents that shows that they are the legitimate owners of the land.
He added that as from Wednesday the surveyor will be on ground to ensure beaconing of the land ready for subdivision to all the members.
“We have come to construct our office here so that we can commence settlement of members of all the 8 groups and even the squatters,” he added.
Chairman James Mukua on his part revealed that they bought the land in 2002 but they vacated the land in 2007 after clashes.
He added that some individuals invaded the land causing troubles.
According to him, members of Barina squatters self help group land project bought the land from Standard Chartered Bank in June 2002 after a white farmer defaulted on a loan he had taken with the Bank.
“The people you see here are the genuine owners of the land and we have agreed that even the squatters will have their share,” he said.
A newspaper advertisement placed by Lloyd Masika limited on 12th December 1998 quoted the land at Ksh 100,000,000 but the group bought it off after settling on a Ksh 85,000,000 price.
The former employees of the white farmer demanded a share of the land, a consideration that was made by the court which directed that 803 acres out of the total 4803 acres be allocated to them.
However, trouble started when masqueraders teamed up with the former employees to demand for more land leading to court battles that the former employees have since lost.
They were ordered to pay the cost of the suit and the court upheld an earlier decision to have 803 acres allocated to them.
Ms Grace Shiliebo says it has been a long court battle.
She is however happy that the matter has been addressed and they can now settle in their land and continue with their economic activities.
“It has been a tough journey but we thank God that the matter has been settled. Those who were masquerading should now know the land has owners,” she said.
