The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has successfully recovered a 0.514-acre parcel of land valued at Ksh.51 million, belonging to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), located in Nyali, Mombasa County. This recovery was made possible through a settlement reached on September 21, 2026, where the registered owner, Omar Tahir, agreed to surrender the property to the government. This move brings an end to a legal dispute that had been ongoing for 17 years.
The land in question, registered as MN/I/2411, was at the center of a case filed by the EACC at the Mombasa Environment and Land Court in 2009. The case was filed against Zakayo Kipkemboi Cheruiyot, Omar Tahir, and former Commissioner of Lands Sammy Mwaita. Investigations by the EACC established that the property was irregularly allocated in 2000 by Mwaita to Cheruiyot, a former Kuresoi Constituency MP, who later transferred it to Tahir.
The EACC pursued the recovery of the land through civil proceedings before the parties reached an agreement under the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process. As a result of this agreement, the property has now reverted to public ownership for its intended purpose. The commission has urged individuals holding public property acquired illegally or irregularly to surrender it voluntarily. This approach, they argue, could help restore public assets while avoiding prolonged court battles and associated legal costs.
The recovery of the KCAA land is a significant milestone for the EACC in its efforts to reclaim public land that was irregularly allocated. The commission has been actively engaged in investigating and prosecuting cases of land fraud and corruption. In this particular case, the EACC's efforts have resulted in the return of a valuable asset to the government, which can now be used for its intended purpose.
The EACC's success in recovering the KCAA land also highlights the importance of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process in resolving disputes. The ADR process allows parties to resolve disputes outside of court, which can be a more efficient and cost-effective way of resolving disputes. In this case, the ADR process enabled the parties to reach a settlement, avoiding a potentially lengthy and costly court battle.
The EACC has emphasized the importance of individuals holding public property acquired illegally or irregularly to surrender it voluntarily. This approach not only helps to restore public assets but also helps to promote accountability and transparency in the management of public land. The commission's efforts to recover public land have been ongoing, and this latest recovery is a testament to its commitment to fighting corruption and land fraud.
The recovery of the KCAA land is a significant achievement for the EACC and demonstrates its commitment to protecting public assets. The commission will continue to investigate and prosecute cases of land fraud and corruption, and individuals found to be holding public property illegally will be held accountable. The EACC's efforts to recover public land will help to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public assets.
Key points
- EACC recovers Ksh.51 million KCAA land in Mombasa through a settlement reached with the registered owner, Omar Tahir.
- The land was irregularly allocated in 2000 by former Commissioner of Lands Sammy Mwaita to Zakayo Kipkemboi Cheruiyot, a former Kuresoi Constituency MP.
- The EACC urges individuals holding public property acquired illegally or irregularly to surrender it voluntarily to avoid prolonged court battles and associated legal costs.
