Elders from the Korando and Kogony clans in Kisumu have come out strongly in defense of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga over the ownership and development of the controversial Molasses plant land.
This comes in the wake of protests from a section of the community that termed the ongoing government-backed affordable housing project on the land illegal and vowed to block it.
Addressing the media on Monday, the elders disowned those opposing the project, labeling them as self-seeking individuals who do not speak for the wider community.
Robert Ogada, the organizing secretary of the Kogony Land Council of Elders, dismissed the claims made by the Kisumu Welfare Association, insisting the land was voluntarily surrendered decades ago and duly compensated for.
“We want to say that we don’t recognize Kisumu Welfare Association. The statement they issued is theirs and not from the community. The land that the Kisumu Molasses Plant sits on belongs to the Kogony and Korando clans. We donated it willingly and we were compensated,” said Ogada.
He added that the land was originally acquired by the government in the 1970s for the Molasses project, and the affected families were paid. The land, along with the plant, was later auctioned and purchased by the late opposition leader Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s family.
The elders affirmed their support for the affordable housing project, noting it would uplift the lives of residents by creating job opportunities and transforming the area.
“We support the government’s plan to build affordable housing units next to the Molasses plant. We also thank Raila Odinga for donating five acres to the project. Those opposing it are spreading falsehoods. We are not against development,” Ogada emphasized.
He further stated that they will be demanding formal minutes from those purporting to represent the clans in calling for the land’s return, to verify the legitimacy of their claims.
Surviving members of the community who gave up their land also backed Ogada’s sentiments.
Patricia Obure, one of the original landowners, recalled receiving compensation and relocating with her husband after building new homes.
“We were paid. I was given land by Odondi Sawo which I sold. No one forced me out. We welcome the development Raila has initiated,” Obure said.
Another resident, Benedicto Odongo, nostalgically recalled receiving Ksh 9,000 from the government as compensation, a significant amount at the time.
Raila Odinga has on several occasions defended the acquisition of the Molasses plant, insisting it was bought legally after being auctioned. He, alongside his brother Dr. Oburu Odinga, once moved to court to challenge the implementation of the Ndung’u Land Report, which had controversially listed the plant as public land.
The latest statements from the elders appear aimed at setting the record straight and reaffirming community support for both the Odinga family and the ongoing government project.
