Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed that the recent killings of elderly people in Gusii are linked to land disputes, not witchcraft.
Murkomen said many victims are targeted by relatives who want to inherit land early. “Reports of older people engaging in witchcraft are baseless. Some youths are eliminating their elders to grab land,” he said.
The CS added that the Ministry of Lands is working to speed up succession processes. This will help reduce conflicts over land ownership.
Murkomen also warned about uncontrolled land fragmentation. He said it could turn the region into “a slum in the next 20 to 30 years.” He encouraged land consolidation to prevent this scenario.
To ease land pressure, the CS urged residents to join the government’s Affordable Housing Programme. He also announced plans to relocate prisons from town centres to make space for modern housing projects.
Murkomen called on families to use public cemeteries instead of private burials. He said this would help preserve arable land for future use.
Besides land issues, Murkomen expressed concern about rising cases of defilement and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Western Kenya. He asked local chiefs to encourage victims to speak out, noting that most offenders are family members.
The CS’s remarks come amid growing public concern over elderly killings in Gusii. His message highlights the need for better land management, legal reforms, and community awareness.
By addressing succession disputes, promoting land consolidation, and supporting affordable housing, the government hopes to reduce violence. The measures aim to create safer and more sustainable communities in Gusii.
