Government Addresses Deveto Land Dispute, Ebola Response and Insecurity as Eldoret Prepares for Mashujaa Day

Story by John O’kebati & Violet Kerubo 

The government has addressed concerns surrounding land ownership linked to the proposed Deveto refinery, Kenya’s response to an imported Ebola case and insecurity in northern Kenya, while calling on citizens to prepare for the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations scheduled for October 20 in Eldoret.

Government Spokesperson Charles Owino made the remarks while addressing journalists at Harambee Annexe in Nairobi, providing updates on the disputed land, public health preparedness and security operations following an attack on a security patrol in the northern region.

Separately, the government has invited Kenyans to participate in this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu County, where infrastructure development and regional economic opportunities are expected to feature prominently.

Government Explains Deveto Refinery Land Ownership Dispute

The government has sought to clarify the ownership of land associated with the proposed Deveto refinery, following concerns over claims by individuals whose titles reportedly overlap with land previously allocated to public infrastructure projects.

Owino explained that the land in question had initially been occupied by approximately 90 families, who were compensated before vacating the area to pave the way for the project.

According to the government spokesperson, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) paid KSh1.4 billion through the National Land Commission to compensate the affected families.

After compensation, KPA took physical possession of the land, although the title had remained under the LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority and was expected to be transferred to KPA.

Owino said the original residents were represented by plots marked in yellow on the land plans presented during the briefing, while red markings indicated titles claimed by other individuals that appeared to overlap with the existing allocation.

He maintained that the original occupants had been identified and compensated, arguing that the compensation process and transfer of possession had established the government’s position on the land.

The spokesperson said investigations would help determine how the disputed titles were obtained and whether irregularities occurred while the land was still held under LAPSSET.

He added that the government would establish whether the overlapping claims arose during the period before the title transfer was completed.

Owino assured the public that the matter was being examined and maintained that there was no cause for alarm over the land ownership issue.

Refinery Infrastructure and Berth Requirements

The briefing also highlighted the extensive infrastructure requirements associated with the refinery project.

Owino said the refinery was expected to require approximately five berths to accommodate vessels bringing crude oil from other sources and ships transporting refined petroleum products.

He noted that additional berths would still be needed beyond those allocated for the refinery, pointing to the wider infrastructure requirements associated with port operations and future development.

The berth requirements underline the importance of resolving land ownership questions surrounding the project, given the need to provide space for supporting infrastructure.

However, the ownership claims and circumstances surrounding the overlapping titles remain matters requiring investigation and documentary verification.

Government Defends Ebola Preparedness Measures

Owino also addressed concerns surrounding an imported Ebola case involving a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to the government, the patient travelled by road from the DRC to Kampala, Uganda, before boarding Jambojet flight 8523 to Nairobi on October 3, 2026.

Upon arrival, the patient was taken to Nairobi Hospital for assessment and isolation. Laboratory tests subsequently confirmed the Ebola infection.

The patient later died and was accorded a safe and dignified burial on October 6, according to the briefing.

Owino said the Ministry of Health had already provided comprehensive updates on the case and would continue briefing the public as the response progressed.

He clarified that the suspension of meetings, seminars and training activities in hotels applied specifically to health workers, who were required to remain available at their respective stations.

The measure was intended to ensure that technical personnel remained on standby to support emergency preparedness, disease surveillance, contact tracing and response operations.

The government spokesperson said the reported number of contacts, individuals in quarantine and samples tested had not changed from the figures previously communicated by the Ministry of Health.

He did not provide fresh numerical figures during the remarks captured in the briefing.

Government Rejects Claims of Seeking Funds Through Ebola Case

Owino also rejected allegations circulating publicly that the government was using the Ebola case to attract financial support from development partners.

He maintained that Kenya’s response to public health emergencies was guided by the need to protect human life and meet established public health requirements.

He said international cooperation was part of established disease surveillance and emergency preparedness arrangements, rather than evidence that the government was exploiting the outbreak.

The spokesperson urged political leaders and public commentators to avoid politicising public health matters, warning against the spread of unverified information.

He called on Kenyans to remain vigilant, follow official health guidelines and rely on information provided by authorised health authorities.

The government said its response would continue as health officials monitored the situation and undertook the necessary public health interventions.

Insecurity in Isiolo and Samburu Raises Concern

The government also addressed an insecurity incident involving armed bandits in the Goto area, which Owino said had resulted in the deaths of police officers and civilians.

According to the briefing, the incident followed the disappearance and subsequent discovery of the body of a mentally challenged member of the Borana community on September 16, 2026.

Owino said the body was found in the Goto area during the second day of a joint search involving police officers, National Police Reservists and members of the local community.

He said the team was attacked by heavily armed bandits who had laid an ambush during the recovery operation.

The briefing reported that three police officers, including a reservist, and two civilians had died in the incident and related violence. The account also referred to the death of the area officer commanding station during the attack.

The government further reported the loss of livestock during subsequent security operations in the Kom area of Matiili sub-county.

The incident has highlighted the security challenges facing communities in the affected areas, where armed attacks and livestock theft continue to pose risks to residents and security personnel.

Owino said the government was aware of public concerns over the incident. However, the briefing did not provide a complete account of the subsequent operational measures, the number of suspects pursued or the status of investigations.

The government is expected to provide further information as security agencies continue addressing the situation.

Eldoret to Host 2026 Mashujaa Day Celebrations

As the government addresses the land, health and security issues, preparations are also underway for the national Mashujaa Day celebrations scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu County.

The event will be jointly hosted by Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, with the government calling on residents of the Rift Valley region and Kenyans from other parts of the country to attend peacefully.

The celebrations will honour Kenya’s freedom fighters and recognise contemporary heroes and heroines who have contributed to the country’s development.

The government says the event will also provide an opportunity to reflect on Kenya’s journey since independence and renew the country’s commitment to national unity, peace and inclusive development.

Stadium Upgrades and Regional Development

The government has outlined several infrastructure projects intended to extend the benefits of hosting the national celebrations beyond the main event.

These include upgrading Kipchoge Keino Stadium to international standards, developing Kapseret Stadium in Nandi County and improving Kamiren Stadium in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Other planned interventions include improvements to road networks, street lighting and water supply in the towns hosting activities linked to the celebrations.

According to the government, the investments are intended to strengthen sports infrastructure, stimulate local economic activity and improve public services for residents.

The stadium projects are also expected to expand opportunities for sporting activities and support the development of facilities that can serve communities beyond the national holiday.

The extent and timing of the benefits will depend on the implementation and completion of the announced projects.

Thematic Week to Focus on Sports, Security and Finance

Ahead of the main celebration, a Mashujaa Day thematic week will be held at Eldoret National Polytechnic from Tuesday, October 13, to Sunday, October 18, 2026.

The programme will focus on the sports, security and finance sectors, with exhibitions and demonstrations intended to showcase their contributions to national development.

The exhibitions will highlight issues including employment creation, public safety, financial inclusion, innovation and economic growth.

Residents, students, young entrepreneurs and community organisations have been encouraged to visit the exhibition booths and engage with participating institutions.

The government says the activities will give visitors an opportunity to learn about public services, innovations and development opportunities available through the participating institutions.

The thematic week will precede the main national celebration on October 20.

Government Calls for Peaceful Participation

The government has urged Kenyans, particularly those living in the Rift Valley region, to turn out in large numbers and extend a warm welcome to visitors travelling to Eldoret for the celebrations.

Citizens have also been encouraged to participate peacefully and use the occasion to promote national cohesion.

Mashujaa Day remains one of Kenya’s national holidays dedicated to recognising those who fought for independence, as well as individuals whose contributions have advanced the country’s social, economic and political development.

The government says the 2026 celebrations should reinforce the importance of unity, security and shared responsibility in building a prosperous nation.

As Eldoret prepares to host the national event, attention will also remain on the government’s handling of the land dispute, public health preparedness and security challenges highlighted during Owino’s briefing.

The four issues reflect different aspects of the government’s responsibilities, from managing major infrastructure projects and responding to public health threats to maintaining security and delivering development initiatives across the country.