Burat Ward residents in Isiolo County won a decisive court victory against the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in a long-standing land dispute. On Monday, October 14, 2024, the Isiolo High Court ruled in favor of over 20,000 residents, preventing their eviction from 350 square miles of land. The community, composed of Turkana, Samburu, Borana, Somali, and Ndorobo peoples, claimed the land as ancestral.
The dispute began in 2019 when the Ministry of Defence issued an eviction notice, seeking to reclaim the land for military use. Residents opposed the move, and after four years of legal battles, Justice P.M. Njoroge declared the evictions unlawful. The ruling also directed the National Land Commission (NLC) to investigate historical injustices and propose solutions within 24 months.
Governor Abdi Guyo played a crucial role in the dispute. In November 2023, he led a delegation to meet with the Department of Defence to seek a peaceful solution. Both parties agreed to explore settlements, map out community areas, and create win-win proposals. Key leaders, including then-Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale and Vice CDF Lt. Gen. Jonah Mwangi, participated in these discussions.
Following the ruling, Lawyer Ramadhan Abubakar, representing the residents, expressed satisfaction, urging the community to stand firm in defending their land. His message, “Msitoke kwa ardhi yenu” (“Do not leave your land”), resonated with residents, who felt a sense of relief and hope.
This ruling is a major step in addressing land injustices in Kenya. The NLC’s upcoming investigation could set a crucial precedent for future land disputes.