Affected residents of the Kinyoo Land dispute during a Media briefing on April 10, 2026. Photo by Andrew Mbuva 
By Andrew Mbuva
More than 50 families in Emali, Makueni County, are now pleading with the national and county governments to intervene in a long-standing land dispute in the Kinyoo area, accusing powerful individuals of land grabbing and systemic exclusion from ownership rights.
The affected residents claim they are the rightful owners of over 30 hectares of land but have endured decades of suffering, displacement, and failed attempts to reclaim what they insist is legally theirs.
Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved families, Nzuki Mueke recalled how they were sidelined during a crucial land survey exercise, which ultimately determined ownership in the disputed area.
“During the survey in Kinyoo, we were completely left out despite making several attempts to be included. Influential individuals interfered with the process, and we were denied justice,” he said.
Mueke added that the exclusion has had devastating consequences on families, with many falling into poverty and missing out on education opportunities.
“We have been traumatized for years. Our parents died poor, and many of us never got the education we deserved because of this injustice,” he lamented.
Another resident, James Maundu, narrated how the land in question was not only a source of livelihood but also a family heritage passed down through generations.
“This is the land we grew up on, farmed, and depended on for survival. It belonged to our parents and grandparents. After they passed away, influential individuals took advantage and grabbed it from us,” he said.
Maundu further alleged that attempts to secure legal ownership through county-led survey processes were thwarted by underhand dealings.
“We joined others during the survey so we could be issued with title deeds, but some people used backdoor channels and ended up acquiring ownership documents at our expense,” he claimed.
For Robert Muia, the dispute dates back to as early as 1963. He recounted how a powerful individual allegedly occupied their land and later promised alternative settlement that never materialized.
“We were told not to question him because he was influential. He even wrote a letter promising that our family would be allocated land elsewhere by the county council, but up to now, nothing has been given. We still have that letter,” he said.
Rebecca Muia revealed that her family lost 10 acres under unclear circumstances and has since faced intimidation while pursuing justice.
“Our land was taken, and when we tried to follow up, we were frustrated. At one point, our child was even jailed over this issue before being released,” she said.
Cleophas Njenga painted a grim picture of continued harassment, claiming that families are routinely threatened and forcefully evicted whenever they attempt to utilize the land.
“We are chased away at night, and when we return, we find structures already built. Cartels hire people to intimidate us. When the survey was done, we were deliberately excluded due to the influence of these powerful individuals,” he said.
The families are now demanding a fresh and transparent land survey to establish rightful ownership and ensure justice is served.
They are urging the government to step in urgently, warning that the prolonged dispute has left generations trapped in poverty and uncertainty.
The contested Kinyoo land remains a flashpoint, highlighting broader concerns over land ownership, historical injustices, and alleged corruption in land administration processes across the region.
