Murkomen warns leaders against inciting residents to invade, steal from Del Monte and Kakuzi farms

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has cautioned political leaders against urging residents to invade multinational farms in Murang’a County, warning that such actions amount to lawlessness and threaten both lives and livelihoods.

Speaking on Tuesday during the Jukwaa la Usalama Central Region forum in Murang’a, Murkomen condemned a growing trend where some elected leaders justify theft of produce from Del Monte and Kakuzi farms under the guise of addressing historical land injustices.

“There is no such thing as peaceful stealing,” Murkomen said. “Leaders must stop normalising theft and trespass in the name of land grievances. Such acts are dangerous, illegal, and harmful to our economy and investment climate.”

His remarks come amid public outcry following the recent deaths of two young men at Del Monte farms. One was allegedly run over by a G4S vehicle contracted by the company, while the other succumbed to injuries after clashes between farm security and members of the public.

While expressing regret over the deaths, Murkomen cautioned that continued lawlessness would only fuel more violence. He reminded Kenyans that multinational farms remain some of the country’s biggest employers and revenue sources.

“We cannot use joblessness or poverty as an excuse for stealing. These companies feed thousands of families. Our responsibility is to protect them, not destroy them,” he said.

The CS urged local youth to seek gainful employment in the farms rather than risk their lives through violent raids. He also warned that security agencies would not hesitate to use force to protect property, workers, and investors.

On the thorny issue of land ownership, Murkomen acknowledged widespread cases of fraud and double allocation but stressed that historical injustices must be addressed legally.

“The Ministry of Lands, working with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, is confronting fraud and accelerating the titling process. That is the only way to resolve these disputes fairly and sustainably,” he said.

Murkomen underscored that safeguarding investment, upholding law and order, and resolving land grievances through proper channels are key to protecting both the people and the economy.