This archive report was first published on 27 July 2019.
Uhuru Kenyatta Ordered to Arrest Fred Matiang'i Over Ruaraka Land Scandal ¶
On July 26, 2019, during the launch of a development project in Kesses Constituency, leaders called on President Uhuru Kenyatta to publicly address his stance on fighting corruption.
Mbunge wa Kapseret Oscar Sudi was the first to call on the President to sack Fred Matiang'i, the Interior Cabinet Secretary, over the Ruaraka land scandal where the government lost millions of shillings.
According to Sudi, Matiang'i was involved in the purchase of a plot of land in Ruaraka when he was the Education Minister, and the government had agreed to buy the land worth over 13 acres for KSh 3.2 billion.
However, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) raised concerns over the payment of KSh 1.5 billion to the landowner, Francis Mburu, as a down payment for the land purchase.
On July 26, 2019, the High Court ordered the suspension of further payments to the businessman and launched an investigation into the matter.
Speaking during the launch of the development project, Sudi called on the President to fire Matiang'i to prove his commitment to fighting corruption that has plagued the government.
"The big problem in this country is corruption. The recent events are shocking. There is a game being played. I have been following closely the Ruaraka land scandal in Parliament and I am not impressed. We are not fools. He should be arrested and charged," Sudi said.
Recently, the High Court ruled that the KSh 1.5 billion paid to Mburu did not follow the proper procedure.
A three-judge bench found that the National Land Commission had failed to advise the Ministry of Education on the ownership of the land, which was allegedly owned by Mburu.
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