The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has successfully reclaimed 18 hectares of public land in Kisumu County, that had been unlawfully acquired by a private investor.
The unidentified individual was demanding a payment of Ksh.7 billion to vacate the market
Twalib Mbarak, the CEO of EACC, made the announcement while addressing the public in Kisumu County on Wednesday, confirming that the land estimated to be worth Ksh 2 billion, was part of the extensive Kibuye market.
EACC initiated an investigation into the matter on February 16 of this year after receiving a distress call from Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o.
The governor had reported the fraudulent acquisition of the market by an individual who was demanding a payment of Ksh 7 billion to vacate the market or else he would forcibly evict traders.
The case was filed in the Kisumu Environment and Land Court against the unidentified individual.
Governor Nyong’o assured the public that his government is collaborating with the National Land Commission (NLC) and the EACC to recover all unlawfully seized public land and properties.
“With the assistance of EACC and the NLC, we will take decisive action against land barons, cartels, and brokers. They must voluntarily surrender their ill-gotten properties before we take further action,” Nyong’o declared.
The County boss said that irregular land allocations and land grabbing have had detrimental effects on the growth and development of the lakeside city and will not be tolerated.
He pointed out that the issue has significantly impacted land designated for pathways, parking areas, sewer lines, drainage systems, playgrounds, the establishment of ECDE Centres, health facilities, and affordable housing.
EACC has also succeeded in recovering Taifa Park measuring 1.5 acres valued at Ksh 500 million, three properties owned by the Judiciary valued at Ksh 940 million, and over 20 parcels of land belonging to the Kenya Railways Corporation, with an approximate value of Ksh 2 billion.
Additionally, the recovery efforts extend to prime land in the Milimani area that was used for the construction of the County Speaker’s residence, and another parcel intended for the expansion of the Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company Limited (KIWASCO) water treatment plant.
The EACC is also pursuing the recovery of 105 hectares of land in the Kibos area, designated for the establishment of the Kisumu Industrial Park.
“Beyond the land-grabbing syndicates, Kisumu is also home to individuals who have illicitly seized and privatized public property. We call on those holding unlawfully acquired government land in the areas of Milimani, Kibos, Migosi, and Kanyakwar to voluntarily surrender them,” said Governor Nyong’o .
