Murkomen Denies Links to Ksh20 Billion Runda Land Dispute in Midnight Statement

Murkomen Denies Links to Ksh20 Billion Runda Land Dispute in Midnight Statement

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly denied allegations linking him to a multi-billion-shilling land dispute in Kiambu County, describing the claims as false, misleading, and lacking factual basis.

In a statement issued late Tuesday night through the Ministry of Interior’s communications office, Murkomen dismissed a media report that associated him with an alleged land-grabbing scheme involving a prime parcel of land in Runda.

“The Cabinet Secretary does not have an iota of personal interest in the property. In fact, he has no knowledge of the purported land, its location or the presence of a land dispute,” the statement read in part.

The controversy stems from a report published by Daily Nation, which detailed a protracted dispute involving a 300-acre property in the Runda area, estimated to be worth approximately Ksh20 billion. The report alleged that Murkomen, alongside Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Gatundu North MP Elijah Kururia, had been implicated in claims of shielding individuals accused of encroaching on the land.

Responding to the allegations, Murkomen maintained that the claims were based on speculation and unverified assertions.

“The publication is based on rumour, conjecture and wild allegations,” he said, adding that he has never participated in any dealings related to the ownership or management of the contested property.

The CS further addressed assertions that he had influenced or directed police operations connected to the dispute, firmly rejecting the claims and clarifying the scope of his role within government.

“The Cabinet Secretary does not engage in operational police work or patrols. His role is limited to providing policy direction, which is implemented through the office of the Inspector General,” the statement clarified.

Murkomen emphasised that any police presence in land-related disputes is part of routine law enforcement aimed at maintaining order and protecting property, rather than evidence of political interference.

At the same time, he called on investigative agencies to expedite inquiries into the matter, urging transparency and accountability in resolving the dispute. He specifically referenced the office of the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, as a key institution in ensuring due process.

“We urge relevant agencies to fast-track investigations and ensure that the rights of legitimate landowners are protected,” he added.

According to the report, petitioners in the case—including members of the Mbugua family—have alleged that more than 200 individuals invaded the property, reportedly with backing from influential figures and elements within the security sector. The petitioners also claimed that some portions of the land had been transferred to a private company under questionable circumstances.

Additionally, concerns were raised about the conduct of local law enforcement, with accusations that certain officers in Kiambu had failed to act on complaints or had been compromised.

However, Murkomen has categorically distanced himself from the matter, reiterating that he has no connection to the individuals or entities involved in the dispute.

The unfolding situation highlights the sensitivity of land ownership issues in Kenya, where disputes over high-value properties often attract political attention and legal battles. Analysts note that such cases underscore the need for transparent land administration systems and impartial enforcement of the law.

While investigations into the Runda dispute are expected to continue, Murkomen’s firm denial signals an attempt to contain the political fallout from the allegations.

As the matter develops, attention is likely to remain on both the investigative process and the broader implications for governance, accountability, and land management in the country.

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Murkomen Denies Links to Ksh20 Billion Runda Land Dispute in Midnight Statement