The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has returned the Kshs 2 billion piece of land in Kilimani, Nairobi, to the University of Nairobi, which was re-possessed from Aberdares Engineering Contractors Limited. The cases had been in court for many years, and an out-of-court settlement brought the matter to a conclusion. Speaking at the handing over, EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak said the anti-graft body has managed to recover quite a number of illegally acquired assets and has many cases pending in court for the recovery of other public assets which are approximately Kshs 12 billion.
He said Kenyans should have faith that what has been grabbed will be recovered. Given that the UoN land case was settled out of court, the EACC CEO noted that land cases are taking to long in courts and that EACC is engaging with the judiciary to prioritize the hearing and determination of land cases.
On his part, UoN Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter Mbithi said the handing over is a rare occasion that should embolden us to fight the monster that has continued to eat into the soul of the society, “Historically, land grabbing and politics are the oil that sustains the corruption machines in Kenya. The land grabbing merchants are shameless, heartless, and very brave,” he outlined. He said that if all Kenyans remain vigilant and support the agencies that spearhead the anti-graft move we can reclaim our lost pride as a country.
DPP Nordin Haji said the message is clear that they won’t stop at taking people to court, “What we are going to do moving forward is to ensure that what belongs to the mwananchi and what belongs to the government is rightfully restituted to the rightful owner. It will not be enough that we are in court and we let those who got proceeds of crime to continue enjoying them,” he said. Haji said they have also managed to recover land belonging to Racecourse Primary School, and also they’ve received money from several banks recovered from NYS.