The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched a fresh bid to recover Sh1.5 billion paid out in compensation for the controversial Ruaraka land, targeting 25 individuals and companies linked to the transaction.
The Commission has issued demand letters requiring the recipients to refund the money after the Court of Appeal ruled that the compensation paid by the National Land Commission (NLC) was unlawful.
Among those served with the notices are Immigration Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang, Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i, former NLC Chairperson Mohamed Swazuri, former NLC Commissioner Tom Konyimbih, several former land officials and companies associated with the family of the late businessman Francis Mburu.
EACC is demanding the full recovery of the Sh1.5 billion, together with 12 per cent annual interest calculated from 2018, when the funds were disbursed.
According to the Commission, investigations established alleged abuse of office, embezzlement and money laundering involving public funds that were presented as compensation to Afrison Export Limited and Huelands Limited for the acquisition of the 13-acre parcel of land in Ruaraka.
EACC alleges that the funds were ultimately channelled to Whispering Palms Estate Limited, contrary to the intended purpose of the compensation.
In letters dated August 10, the Commission warned that if the money is not refunded within seven days, it will institute civil recovery proceedings against all those named.
Meanwhile, Huelands Limited, a company linked to the late Francis Mburu’s family, has moved to the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the Court of Appeal’s decision.
The company has filed an appeal citing 11 grounds, arguing that the appellate court failed to distinguish between lawful land-use planning and the compulsory acquisition of private property, thereby interfering with its proprietary rights over the land.
EACC has opposed the appeal, describing it as an abuse of the court process and insisting that the compensation was illegally awarded.
