Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has come out strongly to deny claims linking him to a high-value land dispute in Kiambu County, but the issue continues to raise concern among the public.
In a statement released late Tuesday night through the Ministry of Interior, Murkomen dismissed a report by Daily Nation as false and misleading.
The report had connected him to a contested 300-acre parcel of land in the Runda area, a prime location near Nairobi that is estimated to be worth about Ksh20 billion.
Despite the firm denial, questions around the matter have not faded.At the center of the dispute is a long-running disagreement involving the Mbugua family, who claim ownership of the land.
They allege that more than 200 people have invaded the property and settled there illegally.
According to the family, these individuals are not acting alone but are being protected by powerful figures, including politicians and members of the security sector.
The family further claims that police officers in Kiambu have failed to respond to their complaints.
They say their efforts to seek help have been ignored, raising fears of possible interference or influence from higher offices.
In addition, they allege that parts of the land were transferred to a private company under unclear circumstances, which they believe points to a wider scheme to take over the property.
The report by the Daily Nation also mentioned Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Gatundu North MP Elijah Kururia, suggesting that they may have played a role in protecting those accused of occupying the land.
These claims have added a political angle to an already sensitive issue. Murkomen, however, rejected all the allegations.
He stated that he has no personal interest in the land, does not know its exact location, and has never been involved in any dealings related to it. He also denied claims that he directed police officers in relation to the dispute.
According to him, his role as Interior CS is limited to setting policy, while operational decisions are handled by the police command.
Even so, his response has raised further questions. If the police in Kiambu failed to act on complaints, critics argue that the matter still falls within the responsibility of the Interior Ministry.
Concerns are now being raised about accountability within the police service and whether officers acted independently or under influence.
Murkomen also called on the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to ensure that investigations are carried out quickly and fairly.
He urged authorities to protect the rights of lawful landowners and bring clarity to the situation.As pressure builds, many Kenyans are watching closely to see how the investigations will unfold.
The Mbugua family continues to demand justice, while the government faces growing calls to address concerns about land ownership, police conduct, and the influence of powerful individuals in such disputes.
