By OLIVER MUSEMBI
Buyers of a Sh10 billion parcel of land formerly owned by late intelligence chief James Kanyotu have appealed to the government to protect them from alleged harassment by goons who have invaded the prime property in Ruiru, Kiambu County.
Residents of the 500-acre estate, located along the Ruiru-Githunguri Road, accused local security officers of failing to act against the invaders, who they claim are harvesting soil from land reserved for public utilities despite several reports being made to authorities.
The residents said they recently filled trenches allegedly dug by the aggressors to block access roads to the estate, which is home to more than 1,000 families. They also chased away people who were still excavating soil from nearby public land.
“We are living in fear because the police seem to be siding with the people harassing us. Our pleas to the authorities have fallen on deaf ears and the aggressors are acting with impunity,” said resident Phelomena Nyambura.
Representatives of the residents said they purchased the land and began settling there in 2014. However, last year, some individuals moved to court and obtained orders nullifying the sale, arguing that the property had been undervalued and seeking repossession of the land.
The residents said the order was later suspended by the Court of Appeal, allowing them to remain on the property pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.
Led by Environment Committee Chairman Patrick Ngumo and Legal Secretary Mike Kamau, the residents maintained that they possess valid ownership documents and should be allowed to enjoy peaceful occupation of their plots.
Ngumo said the dispute escalated on July 24 last year when a High Court judge sitting in Meru issued orders nullifying the sale of the land.
“We find it strange and questionable why a court in Meru should issue an order regarding land located in Ruiru, Kiambu County. One would think we have competent courts around here,” he said.
He added that the residents later moved to the Court of Appeal, which issued fresh orders restraining any party from evicting them until the matter is heard and determined.
The stay orders were issued on February 6, 2026, by Court of Appeal judges S. Gatembu Kairu, Lady Justice M. Ngugi and Justice A.O. Muchelule.
Part of the order states: “The 1st and 4th respondents or those under them shall not evict the applicant, 3rd respondent and interested parties from the suit property or any of its subdivisions, or in any way interfere with their peaceful occupation.”
Kamau said the residents were determined to protect their land from invaders, accusing police of failing to take action despite several reports being made to the local police station.
