EACC recovers Ksh.100M Gov't land grabbed in Machakos

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recovered land valued at Ksh.100 million in Machakos County that had allegedly been grabbed.

According to EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi, the one-acre property, originally belonging to the Housing ministry, had been illicitly leased to various government bodies. The parcel was also being used by government officials, including those from the Judiciary.

The anti-graft watchdog is also working on recovering land worth Ksh.1.2 billion in the Lower Eastern region comprising Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties.

Ngumbi said the Prisons department in Machakos, for instance, has suffered a significant setback, with 13 pieces of its land grabbed by unscrupulous cartels.

Other properties that have been grabbed in the region include five acres of Seme Primary School in Mlolongo valued at Ksh.300 million, and land worth Ksh.115 million belonging to the visually impaired, which was reportedly acquired by a church in Kitui.

Ngumbi added that there are several pending court cases related to land and property grabbing amounting to Ksh.1.2 billion, which EACC is actively pursuing.

He also expressed concern over the escalating rate of land grabbing involving government properties, stating that it undermines President William Ruto's affordable housing agenda.

He subsequently urged Kenyans with disputed lands to seek resolution through the EACC's Alternative Dispute Resolution process in order to avoid lengthy legal battles.

Furthermore, the EACC Spokesperson criticized counties for fostering corruption, citing conflict of interest as a major factor.

Governors and Chief Officers have been accused of engaging in illegal trade and violating procurement laws by favoring relatives and political allies in tender awards.

This as ten former and current Governors are on the EACC's radar, according to Ngumbi.

"To address these issues, the commission proposed the Conflict of Interest Bill to the Senate, which the Senate acted upon, suggesting amendments to remove the provision requiring the EACC to enforce the legislation," said Ngumbi.

"We urge the National Assembly to expedite the discussion and implementation of this Bill."