The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has condemned Taita Taveta leaders for misleading the public into invading former Taveta MP Basil Criticos land leading to violence.

Commissioner Mzalendo Kibunjia blamed the politicians for misleading the public into breaking the law. Two weeks ago, violence broke out at the 2,970 acre farm that belonged to Criticos two days after governor John Mruttu told the squatters to stay put on the Machungwani land because Cricos's lease had expired.

The farmers invaded the land and began sharing it amongst themselves resulting to violence where two people were seriously injured after being shot with arrows.

Speaking in Taveta on Friday last week, the commissioner appealed to leaders from the region to stop politicising the volatile and thorny issue of land in the region.

"I am appealing to leaders to stop causing conflicts among the communities especially over a small matter. You should preach peace instead of causing conflicts" said Kibunjia.

He said that the country was yet to heal from the 2007/8 post election violence and other historical injustices caused by careless sentiments caused by leaders. He said people should be careful to avoid blood shade.

"The country has not yet healed from the past violence over bad leadership and so we should be cautious especially when addressing sensitive matters like land," he said.

Kibunjia warned that stern action will be taken against anybody found to have caused the violence over land in Taveta or any other place in the country.

"We are investigating the matter and stern action will be taken against those who will be found guilty of perpetrating conflicts over Machungwani land. Politicking time is over and now we should focus on the development of our country,"Kibunja said.

Kibunjia appealed to the public to seek alternative ways of sustaining their livelihoods instead of solely depending on farming in order to reduce land related conflicts.