On May 31, 2022, the Environment and Land Court ruled in favor of Christine Kubai, the widow of freedom fighter Fred Kubai, ordering the government to pay Ksh500 million as compensation for acquiring her land and erecting a public hospital in Naivasha, Nakuru county.
According to the court, Christine is the registered owner of the 10-acre piece of land, which was acquired by the government without following the right procedure of compulsory acquisition.
Justice Mwangi Njoroge noted that there lacked evidence proving that the land was transferred to the government, and that Christine's attempts to solve the matter were futile after she constantly visited several government offices to no avail.
The Judge deemed that the disputed land is located within the town centre, hence the prime property would be sold for a decent amount according to the current market value rate.
Additionally, the court ordered the government to pay another Ksh20 million over trespassing charges from 1993 to date.
The Kapenguria Six, a group of freedom fighters that included Fred Kubai, were imprisoned for their role in the Mau Mau uprising against British colonial rule.
“The government and the Ministry of Health’s action of taking possession of her land amounted to trespass and gross violation of her rights to own property,” the Judge ruled.
