Govt defends Lamu land allocation, details Ebola response and Isiolo security operation
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, Government Spokesperson Charles Owino said there were no genuine outstanding land compensation claims and urged those disputing ownership to seek legal redress.
Lamu land allocation
Reports indicate that KPA was allocated 28,199 hectares in 2012/2013 for port development under the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor project, an area which was set aside for 32 berths, offices and other port facilities with 60 per cent comprising water and 40 per cent land.
Owino further clarified that about 90 families were relocated after KPA paid KSh1.4 billion in compensation through the National Land Commission (NLC). He however acknowledged that the transfer of the title deed from the LAPSSET Authority to KPA took longer than expected.
The Government, through KPA official Owino said the authority had allocated land in Lamu for the construction of berths to serve a planned oil refinery, allowing ships to deliver crude oil and transport refined petroleum products. The facility is projected to handle about 700,000 barrels of oil per day.
The government has alleged that some people claiming ownership of the disputed land held fake title documents, adding that a court had already ruled on the matter. He said further civil disputes would be handled by the courts while the Directorate of Criminal Investigations would pursue the alleged fraud.
Government clarifies Ebola response
On public health, the Government has responded to an imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease involving a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The patient travelled by road from the DRC to Kampala, Uganda before boarding Jambojet Flight 8523 to Nairobi on October 3, 2026. The patient was taken to Nairobi Hospital for assessment and isolation where laboratory tests confirmed the infection. The patient later died and received a safe and dignified burial on October 6 2026.
Further clarification indicates that the suspension of hotel meetings and seminars applied only to health workers and was intended to keep them available for emergency duties, a measure that is meant to ensure that health personnel remained at their workstations to support disease surveillance, contact tracing and other response efforts.
The number of identified contacts, people in quarantine and samples tested remained unchanged from the figures previously announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale. Owino dismissed claims that the Government was using the outbreak to seek funding from development partners and urged Kenyans to follow official health advice and avoid spreading unverified information.
Isiolo security operation
The Government has also addressed a security incident in Isiolo County that left three security officers and two civilians dead an incident which occurred on September 16, 2026 when police officers, National Police Reservists and local residents searching for a missing member of the Borana community found the person’s body in the Gotu area where they were reportedly ambushed by heavily armed bandits. The dead included two police officers, one of them the area Officer Commanding Station, one National Police Reservist and two civilians. The attackers also allegedly stole government firearms and ammunition.
According to the government, security operations began on September 17 following the killings and the theft of government weapons. The suspected bandits reportedly moved to Kom area in Merti Sub-County, where they took control of watering points and grazing areas along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
The stolen weapons included a Galil ACE rifle, a G3 rifle and about 300 rounds of ammunition. Security teams later recovered 76 rounds of ammunition and other government equipment, while Samburu elders surrendered two stolen rifles. Livestock was lost during exchanges of gunfire and suspects were identified and are being monitored for arrest and prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Government has invited Kenyans to attend this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations on Tuesday, October 20 at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu County. The event will be jointly hosted by Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
Preparations include plans to upgrade Kipchoge Keino Stadium to international standards and develop Kapsabet and Kamariny stadiums in Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, respectively. The Government also plans to improve roads, street lighting and water supply in the host towns to boost economic activity and improve public services.
Ahead of the celebrations, a thematic week will run at Eldoret National Polytechnic from October 13 to 18 under the theme “Sports, Security and Finance Sectors.” The programme will feature exhibitions highlighting the sectors’ roles in national development, job creation, public safety and economic growth.
Mashujaa Day will honour freedom fighters and other Kenyans who have contributed to the country’s development. Kenyans particularly those in the Rift Valley region are urged to participate peacefully and use the occasion to promote national unity, security and inclusive development.
