Nairobi, October 23, 2023 – In a landmark ruling today, Justice Okong’o of the Environment & Land Court in Nairobi declared a vast parcel of land in Njiru, measuring 1000 acres, to be the property of the estate of the late Gerishon Kamau Kirima. The judgment has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving thousands of occupants uncertain about their future.
The ruling, while confirming the legitimate ownership of the land, has put the fate of thousands at stake. Less than 100 purchasers who bought small plots will see their sales completed by the Administrators of the Estate. However, for the majority, who were unknowingly occupying the land under false ownership, a daunting reality looms ahead.
Many of these occupants had been duped by masquerader owners into buying plots, only to find out later that their investments were invalid. The impending evictions have raised questions about the government’s approach to managing illegally occupied lands, especially in densely populated areas like Njiru and Utawala.
The judgment has set a deadline for all illegal occupants to vacate the premises by December 31, 2023, failing which they face forceful eviction. This decision has sparked concerns among human rights activists and the wider public, as the fate of these families hangs in the balance.
The situation has drawn comparisons to past land disputes, notably the infamous Waitiki Land Saga. The coming months will serve as a litmus test for the government’s ability to handle such cases and protect the rights of its citizens. Will the state opt for a more humane approach, allowing occupiers to regularize their status, or will it resort to forceful evictions, echoing the Waitiki tragedy?
The judgment has triggered debates across the country, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive land reform and stricter regulations to prevent land fraud and exploitation. As the nation watches, the story of Njiru unfolds, reflecting not only the complexities of land ownership but also the resilience and struggles of the people affected.
Only time will reveal the path the government chooses, but for now, the future remains uncertain for the thousands facing eviction in the wake of this monumental court ruling.