The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has successfully recovered a prime parcel of land along Mukoma Road in Karen, Nairobi, valued at approximately KES 45 million.
The property, unlawfully acquired by private individuals, has now been restored for public use.
The contested land, known as L.R. 2270/71 and measuring 0.029 hectares, was originally surrendered to the Government of Kenya in 1994 for public utilities, including the construction of an access road. However, in 1996, the plot was illegally allocated to private individuals in what the High Court has now ruled was a fraudulent transaction.
In a judgment delivered by Hon. Lady Justice Lucy Mbugua, the Court declared that the property rightfully belongs to the public and that its transfer to private entities was “illegal, unlawful, fraudulent, and corrupt.” The Court ordered the cancellation of the fraudulent title and directed that the land be registered under the Nairobi City County Government as a public utility.
EACC has welcomed the ruling, reaffirming its commitment to recovering all assets acquired through corruption. “This victory sends a strong message that public resources cannot be illegally converted for private gain,” the Commission stated.
This case marks another significant step in the fight against land grabbing in Kenya, a widespread issue that has seen public properties fall into private hands through fraudulent means. The EACC has vowed to intensify efforts in reclaiming stolen public assets to serve their intended purpose.
