The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to reclaim public land in Nakuru, Kenya, highlighting a complex legal battle against alleged fraudulent transactions spanning decades.
In a dramatic turn of events, EACC successfully recovered a half-acre parcel of prime government land in Nakuru’s St. Xavier Estate, worth KSh 40 million. This property, originally designated for government housing, was unlawfully transferred through a series of fraudulent transactions dating back to 1994. The land, including a government house built in 1964, was initially transferred from the Commissioner of Lands to private individuals, eventually reaching the family of former Member of Parliament Jim Choge.
Upon uncovering the illegal transfers, EACC pursued legal action, culminating in a landmark judgment by Hon. Justice Mwangi Njoroge of the Nakuru Environment and Land Court. The court nullified all fraudulent transactions associated with the land, ordering the removal of illegal entries in the Nakuru Land Register and mandating the property’s registration in the government’s name. This judicial victory marks a critical step towards restoring the rightful ownership of public resources.
Simultaneously, in Nyahururu Sub-County, Laikipia County, EACC recovered another significant public land valued at KSh 110 million. This land, originally reserved for the Nyahururu bus park, was unlawfully allocated to private developers for a multi-million mall construction project. Following complaints from local traders and a rigorous investigation by EACC’s Central Regional Office in Nyeri, the commission intervened to halt further encroachment and restore the land to its intended public use.
The actions by EACC have been met with gratitude from affected communities, particularly the Nyahururu Mitumba Traders who faced eviction due to the illegal land allocation. They praised EACC for safeguarding their livelihoods and called for continued efforts to reclaim other grabbed plots in the area.
These cases underscore EACC’s role in combating corruption and protecting public resources in Kenya. By holding accountable those responsible for land grabbing and fraudulent transactions, EACC continues to uphold transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in the management of public assets.
