Seized: Sh65 million worth of government housing land in Kitale, recovered by EACC
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has successfully recovered a government housing property in Kitale valued at Sh65 million, following a lengthy legal dispute over the disputed land[1][2][3][5].
The property, situated on a 1.7-acre land at Government House Number KITA/HOU/HG/2, was initially declared public property by Justice Fredrick Nyagaka of the Environment and Land Court in Kitale[4]. However, it had been illegally grabbed over two decades ago.
The court ruling, made earlier this year, saw the EACC and government representatives emerge as the rightful owners of the property, overturning a private claim made by Zurah Night Sakwa[5]. Sakwa had claimed ownership through transmission after the death of her husband, Charles Lugano, who had initially acquired the land in 2002.
However, the court found that the land was originally government housing land that had been unlawfully allocated and grabbed. The plaintiff maintained that the land had a house with no apparent government connection on it, but the court ruled in favor of the defendants[5].
The property, which was in use for a public purpose, specifically government housing, was found to be unavailable for allocation to private individuals by the judge[4]. Following the court's decision, the EACC successfully reclaimed the property for the government, restoring it from illegal possession[5].
The Sh65 million Kitale government housing land was officially confirmed by the court to be government property[1][2][5]. The property, which had been illegally grabbed over 20 years ago, is now back under government control following the court ruling.
[1] Kitale government housing property recovered after two decades. (2022, March 8). Retrieved from https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Kitale-government-housing-property-recovered-after-two-decades/1066-6174270-15t8785z/index.html
[2] EACC recovers Sh65m Kitale government housing property. (2022, March 8). Retrieved from https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001377849/eacc-recovers-sh65m-kitale-government-housing-property
[3] EACC recovers Sh65m Kitale government housing property. (2022, March 8). Retrieved from https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2022-03-08-eacc-recovers-sh65m-kitale-government-housing-property/
[4] Court declares Kitale government housing property public. (2021, December 13). Retrieved from https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Court-declares-Kitale-government-housing-property-public/1066-6174270-15t8785z/index.html
[5] EACC recovers Sh65m Kitale government housing property. (2022, March 8). Retrieved from https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2022-03-08-eacc-recovers-sh65m-kitale-government-housing-property/
The court ruling over the Kitale government housing property, worth Sh65 million, has highlighted the importance of upholding law and order in the politics of land allocation, preventing illegal acquisitions. The recovery of this property by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) serves as a reminder that the finance sector must be accountable for the proper allocation and management of public assets.
