The Makueni County Government has concluded a seven-day legal
clinic aimed at creating awareness on land succession matters in seven wards.
During the clinics that reached thousands of Makueni
residents, it became evident that there was a lack of awareness about the
succession process.
This includes the transfer of a deceased person's name to
an administrator and the required documentation.
While addressing the public on Monday at Kithungo/Kitundu
Ward, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. emphasized the importance of understanding
the legal process to ensure smooth land ownership transitions.
“With proper documentation that can be used to testify in court,
families can avoid the risk of losing land due to disputes or fraudulent
claims,” he stated.
The exercise was being spearheaded through the office of
the County Attorney,
He highlighted that people are no longer abiding by the
Holy Book, something that he said has caused many differences within the community.
"It's funny that there seems to be no more brotherhood
and sisterhood in the neighborhood. When a husband dies, the wife is kicked out
just to be denied property," lamented Mutula.
The governor further reaffirmed his administration's
commitment to simplifying land succession with proper legal guidance and
encouraged residents to allocate funds for the process in the upcoming budget
cycle.
A land title means security for the owner, noted the first
time Governor.
Christine Karatina, who has been in Mutooni Village since
2016, says she leaves her car at the nearby shopping centre due to the lack of
roads.
She said many succession cases have hindered the creation of
roads, hoping that the new initiative by the county will help address the
problem.
The legal clinics held at Kitundu Social Hall and Kithungo
Chief's Camp were also attended by area MCA Kisungi Wa Ketete, County Attorney
Stanley Nthiwa, County Solicitor Jennifer Kyumwa and Chief Officer Felistus
Mutune, among other officers.
Land inheritance in Kenya follows a legal process to ensure
fair distribution of a deceased person's estate.
This process involves beneficiaries applying for Letters of Administration in court, which are then published in the Kenya Gazette for 30 days to allow objections.
The court then grants probate for wills or issues letters of administration if no will exists.
