By Eddah Waithaka
Kuria leaders and elders have strongly condemned Emurr Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno for what they term as “reckless and inflammatory” remarks against their community.
During a press briefing today, the leaders accused Ngeno of falsely labeling the Kuria people as Tanzanians, misrepresenting their land rights, and inciting ethnic tensions.
They demanded an immediate public apology and called for government action to address historical injustices.
Kuria Rejects “Tanzanian” Label, Demands Apology
The leaders firmly rejected Ngeno’s claim that the Kuria are Tanzanians, asserting their deep-rooted Kenyan identity. “We are indigenous Kenyans with a rich history in this country,” said one of the community representative.
“Ngeno’s remarks are not only false but also an insult to our dignity. If he insists on calling us Tanzanians, then let him remember that his own Kalenjin community migrated from Sudan.”
They warned that if the Kenyan government fails to protect Kuria land and lives, the community would demand the redrawing of the international border to incorporate their ancestral lands in Tanzania.
Angata Baragoi Land Dispute: Kuria Assert Ownership
The leaders reiterated their claim over the disputed Angata Baragoi land, citing colonial-era agreements and government reports. “This land belongs to the Kuria people,” said one of the Officials.
“The Kipsigis settlers were brought in by past regimes after our people were violently evicted in the 1980s. The Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) and the National Land Commission (NLC) have already documented these injustices.”
They demanded the full implementation of the TJRC report and the release of findings from the investigation into the murder of Father John Kaiser, which they say is linked to land injustices.
Rejection of Proposed Land Subdivision
The Kuria community vowed to challenge any attempts to subdivide the Angata Baragoi land without their consent.
“We will go to court if necessary,” said a representative. “We also question the fairness of the recent Narok High Court ruling, especially after Isaac Ruto, a Judicial Service Commission member, publicly backed Ngeno’s false claims. Ruto must resign to protect judicial integrity.”
Marginalization and Call for Inclusion
The leaders highlighted the systemic exclusion of the Kuria from key government positions, noting that no Kuria serves as a CEO in any state corporation.
“This is why people like Ngeno think they can disrespect us,” said a representative. “We challenge the President to ensure Kuria representation during his upcoming visit to our region.”
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Demand for Resettlement or Compensation
The community called for either their resettlement in the Rift Valley or fair compensation for historical injustices.
“If the government cannot return our land, it must compensate us so we can rebuild elsewhere,” said an official.
The leaders warned that continued land injustices and discrimination threaten national unity. “We have remained peaceful despite decades of suffering, but our patience has limits,” they stated.
“We demand justice, respect, and equal treatment as Kenyan citizens.” The government has yet to respond to the demands.
The Kuria community is pushing back against historical land injustices and ethnic discrimination.
The dispute highlights unresolved post-colonial land conflicts in Kenya. Political rhetoric risks inflaming ethnic tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.
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