The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has scored a major legal victory after the Environment and Land Court in Nairobi nullified a fraudulent title deed for prime public land worth Ksh2.8 billion in Gigiri, Nairobi — land that forms part of the iconic Karura Forest.
The contested parcel, known as Nairobi Block 91/386, had been at the centre of an 18-year legal battle between the anti-graft agency and a private developer, Gigiri Court Limited.
In a statement released on Tuesday, EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud hailed the ruling as a “historic triumph in the protection of Kenya’s public resources,” noting that the decision underscores the Commission’s unwavering commitment to reclaim illegally acquired public land.
“The Environment and Land Court on October 23, 2025, delivered a landmark judgment cancelling the title to the land valued at Ksh2.8 billion,” said Mohamud. “The parcel, which forms part of Karura Forest, was never available for private ownership.”
Illegal Carving of Karura Forest
According to EACC findings, the illegal scheme dates back to the early 1990s when public land reserved for the Kenya Technical Teachers College (KTTC) and parts of Karura Forest were fraudulently amalgamated and transferred to private entities.
The property was initially acquired by the late Hon. John Joseph Kamotho, a former Cabinet Minister in the Moi administration. Records show that Kamotho’s company, Gigiri Court Limited, registered the land under its name in 1994 before selling both the firm and the property to Mandip Singh Amrit and Manjit Singh Amrit for just Ksh6 million.
EACC investigators revealed that the 7.11-hectare plot was created through the merger of two parcels — Nairobi Block 91/130, originally reserved for KTTC, and Nairobi Block 91/333, which included a 2.5-hectare portion unlawfully carved out of Karura Forest.
The scheme didn’t stop there. The new owners conducted a private survey that illegally annexed an additional 3.8 hectares of forest land, resulting in the creation of Nairobi Block 91/386 — a parcel later leased to Gigiri Court Limited for residential use by then Commissioner of Lands Wilson Gacanja in 1995.
Court Declares Lease Null and Void
In his ruling, Justice David Mwangi sided with EACC, declaring the entire transaction chain illegal and void from inception.
“The Certificate of Lease issued to Gigiri Court Limited was null and void and could not confer a valid title to private persons,” Justice Mwangi ruled, adding that the land’s allocation violated the Forest Act and the Government Lands Act.
The court also found two former senior lands officials — Wilson Gacanja and James Raymond Njenga — personally liable for their roles in facilitating the fraudulent allocations.
Public Land Must Remain Public
EACC had asked the court to not only nullify the fraudulent lease but also issue a permanent injunction restraining Gigiri Court Limited from dealing with the land “in any manner other than by surrender to the Government of Kenya.”
The court granted the prayers, directing that the land be restored to the public.
“This ruling reinforces the principle that public land, particularly environmentally protected areas like Karura Forest, cannot be alienated for private gain,” said Mohamud.
Pattern of Land Reclamation Wins
The Gigiri case marks yet another high-profile victory for the EACC this year. In July 2025, the Commission reclaimed Ksh104 million worth of public land in Mombasa, which had been irregularly allocated to a senior government official and later transferred to a private developer.
That land, reserved for the Moi International Airport, was declared public property by Justice Stephen Kibunja, who ordered the revocation of its private title.
As EACC continues to intensify its efforts against illegal land grabs, Mohamud reiterated the Commission’s resolve:
“This judgment sends a clear message — public resources are not for plunder. EACC will continue to pursue all cases of illegal acquisition, no matter how long it takes.”
Feature Image: EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud and Kenya Forest Service officials during a joint inspection of reclaimed public land.
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