Cherargei criticizes Kenya Lands Commission for remaining silent over land issues in Nandi
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 30, 2025Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has raised serious concerns over what he termed the continued suffering of Nandi residents at the hands of multinational companies occupying vast tracts of land in the county.
Speaking during a Senate sitting on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Cherargei painted a grim picture of the situation, criticising the National Lands Commission for its silence and failure to address the matter.
Cherargei noted that while many people flying over Nandi and other parts of the region may assume that the county is wealthy, residents are struggling as multinational companies have taken over their land. He accused the National Lands Commission of neglecting its responsibility, pointing out that officials dismiss concerns by claiming that the companies’ title deeds were registered at the Mombasa or Nairobi land registries.
“Many people, as they fly over Nandi and other areas, think we are very wealthy; we are living like monkeys. Multinational companies have taken over our land, and the National Lands Commission is doing nothing about it. If you ask them, they don’t care; they say they registered their title deeds in the Mombasa land registry or Nairobi land registry,” Cherargei stated.
The senator underscored the importance of addressing historical land injustices in the region, particularly those involving multinational tea-growing companies.
He emphasised that these land issues must not be taken lightly, recalling recent land clashes where lives were lost, including in areas such as Angata Barikoi, where victims are yet to receive justice.
Silence by NLC
Cherargei called out the National Lands Commission for what he described as complacency in the face of widespread land grabbing.
He stressed that the unchecked appetite for grabbing public land is frustrating Kenyans and must be stopped, adding that the plight of those affected in Nandi and across the country needs to be addressed urgently to prevent further injustices.
“The issue of land historical injustices where multinationals grow tea – we must continue to have a conversation. This issue of land can’t be taken lightly. You remember we buried people who were killed because of land clashes; even in Angata Barikoi, people were killed there because of the same.
“Their justice has never been achieved. I want to call the Lands Commission to say that this issue of appetite for grabbing public land and frustrating Kenyans must stop,” he added.