The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) announced on Monday that it successfully reclaimed public assets valued at Sh.410 million, believed to have been wrongfully taken from the Kisumu County Government.
Among the recovered items is a prime parcel of land situated in Kisumu Dunga, appraised at Sh.60 million, featuring a story building named Sunshine Villas with an estimated value of Sh.350 million, built by the suspected culprits.
EACC disclosed, “Sunshine Villas had pledged the title, along with other titles, to the Bank of Baroda for a loan of Ksh.180,000,000.”
Investigations by the anti-graft body revealed that the land was originally designated for use by the Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company Limited (KIWASCO).
The area had 20-inch pipes facilitating the transfer of water from a plant in Lake Victoria to a water treatment facility adjacent to the Villas.
The commission revealed that Sunshine Villas initiated legal action against the Kisumu County Government in 2018, asserting ownership of the property and seeking Sh.250 million as compensation for the demolition of their building.
During the same year, the Villas secured a court order allowing them to continue construction despite attempts by the County Government to halt the project, citing its hindrance to expanding water supply for the growing city population.
Construction progressed until 2020, resulting in a three-story apartment building.
Unfortunately, this construction damaged the pipes, disrupting the distribution of water.
EACC stated, “Additionally, the building posed safety concerns due to the large pipes beneath, risking collapse in case of a spillage.”
Upon a subsequent court hearing, Justice Samson Okong’o declared Sunshine Villas’ occupation of the land illegal, nullifying their ownership.
The Kisumu Land Registrar received orders to invalidate the current illegal ownership and issue a Certificate of Lease to the County Government of Kisumu, restoring the property to the government.
Furthermore, a permanent injunction was issued, preventing the Bank of Baroda from selling, transferring, advertising for sale, or engaging in any dealings with the contested property under any statutory power by the charge.
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