Kirima Land Squatters Face Imminent Eviction After Failing to Meet Pay Demands

 

In an offer letter dated December 22, 2023, the family of Kirima demanded payment of parcels of land valued based on each land size and location. How much is Kirima's land value? The letter stated that squatters occupying a 30 by 60 plot should pay up to KSh 2.167 million, latest by December 31, 2023, as purchase fees. They should pay an additional KSh 100,000 as an administrative cost catering for valuation, legal, and other services. This means thousands of residents face imminent eviction following the lapse of the payment deadline. Chairperson of Chokaa Upper Chamber Residents' Association Mackenzie Odera said the payment demands are harsh and way above the current land value. "You cannot compare the land purchase to when you go to the shop and buy unga at KSh 200. There is a procedure you need to take," exclaimed Odera. Odera called up the family to listen to the squatters and agree on an affordable payment plan based on the area's current land value. The residents noted that, based on the government valuer, a plot measuring 30 by 60 in the area costs KSh 700,000 and not KSh 2.2 million. They said they are ready to make the payments only if the terms are friendly. In November 2023, the Environment and Lands Court recently ordered people living on 1,000 acres of land in Njiru to vacate by December 31, 2023. The court ruled that the land rightfully belongs to the late billionaire Gerishon Kirima's family. Govt stance on Kirima's land case Lands Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alice Wahome said government documents show Gerishon Kirima as the registered owner of LR no. 6825/2, which measures 472.5 acres in Njiru. Wahome ruled out the possibility of the government mediating between the settlers and the Kirima family. The CS advised the affected families to engage with the Kirima family before the December 31 deadline, as directed by the court. 

by  Wycliffe Musalia