He served in the military many years ago as a Lieutenant during the Ogaden War in Somalia. However, after a short service commission; he resigned to concentrate on other issues, Key among them is the area of defending human rights.

Moses Gitonga Ngatia is a man who wears several caps.

He has been very vocal on matters Human rights fighting against social injustices and other atrocities in society- an area that saw him being christened ‘Mtetezi Gitonga’ by locals.

Read: Meet Surgeon Dissecting Cases in Court

He has attended to several cases of land grabbing and ensuring justice is served.

Gitonga recalls the Leleshwa land issue in Gilgil that he challenged the allocation to people he terms 'cartels'.

According to him, there were cases of illegal allocation of land that was meant for St. Wandeti Girls School and a section of private citizens.

Through his intervention, the matter would later land in the Senate with a committee on lands visiting the said parcel of land in 2019.

The 75-acre Leleshwa Land issue in Gilgil is one of the many cases that Gitonga prides himself in having played part in finding a permanent solution ending many years' tussle.

"I believe that land meant for public utilities should remain for such. People should not use power to grab land meant for the public and that is why I keep on fighting for the same," he says.

Also Read: Explainer: What are the different military ranks and how are they attained?

Having shifted to Nakuru in the early 2000s and settled on his farm at Langa Langa just a few kilometres from the Kenyatta Barracks in Murendat Ward, the former soldier believes in good governance principles.

When Mtaa Wangu made a visit to his home, the former Military man has several case files on land that he has pursued and several others that he is still pursuing.

He points out that just like in war where you have to remain focused, so is his duty as a human rights defender when seeking justice.

"I took the bold step to fight for justice. This is a journey that one has to remain focused lest you be compromised."

Related: My Good morning story: I may work the entire night until morning depending on the operation

When not in the corridors of justice, the former soldier is on his farm in Langa Langa Gilgil doing some farming here and there.

pmambili@gmail.com

Retired KDF officer takes on land grabbers

Author Spotlight

Pristone Mambili