The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has obtained court orders to reclaim approximately four hectares of land belonging to Kitale School.
In a statement on Wednesday, July 16, EACC said the land, valued at Ksh50 million, had been illegally seized and converted into private commercial property.
According to the agency, the land was designated for educational purposes but was wrongfully allocated to the late Nathaniel Tum, who was then the Chairperson of the Parents Teachers Association.
"The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has obtained court orders to preserve approximately 4 hectares of Kitale School land valued at Ksh50 million.
"The land, originally designated for educational use, was illegally allocated in 1994 to the late Nathaniel K. Tum, then Chairperson of the Parents Teachers Association, in collusion with former Commissioner of Lands, Wilson Gachanja," the statement read.
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EACC investigators revealed that the land was fraudulently converted and developed into a petrol station, a supermarket, a warehouse, and several rental apartments.
"Investigations revealed that the land was fraudulently converted to private commercial use and developed into a petrol station, supermarket, warehouse, and rental apartments, encroaching on critical school infrastructure," the statement added.
On Wednesday, July 9, the Environment and Land Court sitting in Kitale issued preservation orders to secure the disputed land and halt all commercial activities pending the full hearing and determination of the case.
The orders include a temporary injunction against any dealings on the property and immediate suspension of rent collection from businesses on the land.
The court further directed that all rental income be preserved in a joint interest-earning account until the final determination of the case.
Additionally, the EACC was granted leave to appoint a receiver to oversee the property.
"This ruling marks a significant milestone in public asset recovery, reinforcing EACC’s commitment to protecting public resources and upholding the integrity of public institutions," the statement concluded.
