This archive report was first published on 30 July 2019.
On July 30, 2019, the Environment and Lands Court in Nyahururu made a landmark ruling in favor of John Macharia Mwangi, a Nyandarua resident who had his land compulsorily acquired by the government 53 years ago.
The land, an 11-acre parcel, was acquired by the government in 1965 to build Silibwet Primary school. However, the Office of the Attorney General, headed by Mr Kihara Kariuki, failed to defend the school in a case filed against it by Mr Mwangi.
Despite being served with the suit papers and a hearing notice on March 19, 2018, the Attorney General's office did not appear in court to defend the school. The court found that the office had deliberately failed to attend the hearing and prosecute the case.
Justice Mary Oundo noted that no explanation was given for the absence of the Attorney General's office in court on several occasions. The judge also found that the office had refused to present evidence, including witness statements or documents, to support their case.
As a result, Mr Mwangi was awarded Sh7 million by the court as compensation and profits for his land.
