Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has issued a directive for the surrender of an 8-acre plot in Loresho to its rightful owner, Ashok Kumar.
The decision was announced on-site during a visit by the CS, marking the conclusion of a lengthy legal battle in favor of Kumar.
During her visit to the disputed land, CS Wahome encountered resistance from unidentified individuals who had occupied the premises.
Prompt action was demanded, with the Gigiri OCPD given a 24-hour ultimatum to remove any unauthorized occupants.
In an unexpected turn of events, CS Wahome found herself within the confines of the Loresho property alongside Ashok Kumar and his legal representative, Suleiman Bashir.
The purpose of her visit was to ensure Kumar’s access to his rightful land, from which he had been barred.
Security forces intervened to open the locked gate, detaining the individual responsible.
CS Wahome emphasized the need for swift action to evict any remaining illegal occupants within the specified timeframe.
The disputed land had been embroiled in legal disputes for over a decade until a 2022 High Court ruling confirmed Ashok Kumar as the legitimate owner.
Despite this, obstacles persisted, with former Nairobi Provincial Commissioner Davis Nathan Chelogoi claiming ownership.
However, when summoned by the chief land registrar, Chelogoi failed to appear, leading to a decision in favor of Ashok and Hitten Kumar.
CS Wahome reiterated the legitimacy of Ashok Kumar’s ownership, emphasizing the need for compliance with the court ruling.
Kumar expressed gratitude for the CS’s intervention and hoped for the swift implementation of the directive.
In response, Ashok’s lawyer, Suleiman Bashir, expressed appreciation for CS Wahome’s actions and echoed the sentiment of prompt action to restore Kumar’s rightful ownership.
The unresolved dispute led to a High Court-issued arrest warrant for Chelogoi, who faced charges of conspiracy to defraud the land valued at Sh.1.35 billion, alongside Assistant Deputy Director Andrew Aseri Kirungu from the Lands Administration Office.
