30/10/2026
*MIGORI COUNTY STANDS FIRM IN DEFENCE OF MACALDER LAND AND THE INTERESTS OF ITS PEOPLE*
The County Government of Migori has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending its land ownership rights and safeguarding the interests of the people of Macalder amid the ongoing dispute surrounding the gazettement of the land as a forest by the National Government.
The commitment was underscored during a series of consultative meetings held on *29th and 30th October 2026*, bringing together Governor *H.E. Dr. Ochilo Ayacko*, National Government officials, representatives from the Office of the Director of Surveys, the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya, forest officers and the County Government's technical team from the Department of Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development. The meeting held on 29th October was chaired by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development, *Waziri Mrs. Mercy Okwanyo*, while the subsequent engagement on 30th October involved the Governor, alongside Chief Officer *Mr. Andrew Mwera*, the Director of Lands, the Deputy Director of Lands among other staff.
During the engagements, the National Government delegation presented its petition and claims concerning the disputed land, providing an opportunity for both sides to deliberate on their respective positions. Discussions centred on the land's ownership status, the forest gazettement, the need for an independent and credible survey to establish the respective boundaries, and compliance with existing court orders. The County Government maintained its position as the registered owner of the land, reiterating its resolve to defend its ownership rights and challenge any actions that disregard the existing land records and the interests of the affected community.
At the heart of the County Government's position is the protection of the people of Macalder, whose homes, livelihoods and economic activities are closely tied to the disputed land. The County Government recognises the potential consequences of the forest gazettement on residents and remains determined to ensure that their interests are not sacrificed in the process. It maintains that the resolution must take into account the established ownership records, the rights and welfare of the affected residents, and the applicable legal framework.
The meetings further emphasised the importance of an independent survey process to provide an objective technical basis for resolving the competing claims. The parties are now awaiting further directions from the court, with the next decision expected by *9th November 2026*, following the 10-day timeline discussed during the engagements. The County Government remains committed to pursuing a lawful, fair and lasting resolution while standing firm in defence of its land ownership claim.
The County Government's position remains clear: it will not relent in defending its land rights or abandon the interests of the people of Macalder. The people, their homes, their economical activities and their livelihoods remain central to the county's efforts to secure a just and lasting resolution.
