Ruto’s roadside decree that Lands Ministry will take over Land Commission functions is illegal – Kabando

Former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando has faulted President William Ruto for announcing a change of policy at the National Lands Commission (NLC).

Speaking over the weekend, Ruto announced that the government would strip NLC its powers to evaluate lands in the country.

“Pale kwa lands commission imekuwa soko, mtu unaenda hapo unalipa pesa kidogo, shamba ya laki moja inakuwa milioni moja na kwa sababu hujatoa pesa shamba yako ya milioni moja inakuwa elfu mia moja,” Ruto said.

However, according to Kabando, the declaration is illegal and will give power to cartels at the Ministry of Lands.

“Ruto’s roadside decree that the Ministry of Lands will take over functions of the National Land Commission is illegal, irregular and unconstitutional. It’s a crude effort to kill constitutional governance and the spirit of CoK2010. A ploy to empower the Mafia at Ardhi House,” Kabando stated.

Kabando says that any change in policy that touches on legal mandate should be done through parliament.

“Rais Ruto should know that days imperial presidency lorded it over the legislature, and judiciary, everyone are gone. Constitutional agencies have their mandate well cut out. Even “goodies” he’s dishing in churches and burials shouldn’t be unless budgeted and approved by Parliament,” Kabando adds.

Ruto’s take

The President said the move is meant to bring to an end the unfair and corrupt era of the Commission in land compensation noting that it is improper for NLC to value land and compensate at the same time.

“We want to make sure that every Kenyan is compensated fairly,” Ruto said.

The President spoke during a prayer service at Isiolo Boys High School in the company of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Governors Mohamud Ali (Marsabit) and Abdi Guyo (Isiolo) and a host of MPs and MCAs.