Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has cautioned political leaders against inciting citizens to invade and steal from multinational farms in Murang'a County.
The incitement which he said is done in the name of settling historical land injustices amounts to lawlessness that threatens lives and livelihoods.
Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama Central region chapter tour in Murang’a on Tuesday, Murkomen decried the growing trend where some elected leaders justify theft of farm produce from Del Monte and Kakuzi farms.
He termed the narrative dangerous, noting that it not only endangers workers but also puts the country’s economy and investment climate at risk.
“Stealing and trespassing is illegal and there is no such thing as peaceful stealing. Leaders must stop normalising theft and criminal acts in these farms under the guise of historical land injustices,” he said.
His remarks come in the wake of public outcry after two young men lost their lives within the farms less than two weeks ago.
One was allegedly run over by a vehicle belonging to G4S, a security company contracted by Del Monte Kenya at the Del Monte farm, while the other one was fatally wounded when members of the public clashed with security officials during a retaliatory attack at the farm.
The CS expressed regret over the deaths but warned that continued lawlessness would only escalate the violence.
"We cannot allow joblessness or poverty to be used as an excuse for stealing yet these companies are some of the greatest employers of our people," he said.
Murkomen underscored the crucial role multinational companies such as Del Monte and Kakuzi play in Kenya’s economy and warned that unchecked invasions and theft would scare away investors and destabilise the agricultural sector, which is a key employer and revenue earner.
“Through them, thousands of families are fed and so we must protect them, not destroy them,” he said.
The Interior CS urged the youth in Murang’a and across the country to seek employment opportunities in the farms rather than engaging in violent raids that expose them to danger and criminal liability.
“Only go to these companies to work, not to steal. Do not put security agencies in a situation where they will be forced to use excessive force. We will protect lives, property, and investors at all costs,” Murkomen warned.
He emphasised that grievances related to land ownership or distribution should never be used to justify criminal activities.
“If there are land issues, they must be addressed through legal means while observing law and order. That is the only way to find lasting solutions,” he added.
While acknowledging that land remains a thorny issue in Murang’a and other parts of the country, Murkomen admitted there were widespread cases of fraud and double allocations but assured that the government is tackling the matter through proper channels.
“The Ministry of Lands, together with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), is confronting land fraud head-on. Land titling is progressing, and we are committed to ensuring that historical injustices are resolved legally,” he said.
The Jukwaa la Usalama forums are part of a national dialogue series bringing together government officials, security agencies, and citizens to discuss peace, security, and development.
The forum heads to Kirinyaga, Nyeri and Nyandarua counties.
