The leadership of the Lugari Yearly Meeting of Friends (Quakers) has been urged to surrender over 130 acres of public land alleged to have been grabbed by the church at Lake Basin near Panpaper in Marakusi sub-location, Lugari Sub County.
Speaking at Panpaper during a public baraza organized by Lugari Deputy County Commissioner William Lenaremo and the sub-county administrator Mr. Geoffrey Lumbasi, members of the Lugari Farmers Association led by their chairman retired assistant chief Mr. Peter Wamula demanded to know the owner of the parcel of land which initially was used for agricultural training.
Armed with documents, the farmers alleged that the land was leased to the church by the Lake Basin Development Authority in 1996 for a period of 10 years.
According to the documents the lease period was expected to commence on 1st December 1996 to 30th November 2006 and it could be renewed thereafter for another period of 10 years on agreement.
“The term of lease is 10 years renewable thereafter for further periods each of 10 years on agreement,” read part of the agreement.
However, it was established that during the lease period the leadership of the church went ahead and changed its ownership and acquired title deeds under the church’s name.
Speaking during the meeting, Lugari Deputy County Commissioner William Lenaremo said the documents showed clearly the land in question was public land and the church had illegally acquired it.
Lenaremo appealed to the church leadership to surrender it back or a legal procedure be instituted by the government to acquire it back.
Mr. Caleb Shiundu from the Ministry of Land, promised to do investigations to establish how the church acquired the title deed and ensure those responsible face the full wrath of law.