Ruaraka Land Row: Tycoon Francis Mburu Demands Sh36 Billion from Gov’t

The Ruaraka land row pitting city businessman Francis Mburu and the government has taken a new twist after the tycoon filed a new lawsuit.

In the new case, Mburu has demanded Sh36 billion as compensation for the disputed parcel of land, which he claims the government took away from him.

Mburu, through his companies Afrison Export-Import Limited and Huelands Limited, has sued the Nairobi City County, National Land Commission (NLC) and the Attorney-General.

The billionaire asked the court to issue orders compelling the respondents to pay him Sh23 billion, which he claims is the current market price of the land and an additional Sh13 billion for the loss of rental income and accrued interest.

Mburu claims that Nairobi City County illegally acquired the land from him and several investors have already put up structures on the property, with the county government enjoying rents and land rates from his property.

He accused the Attorney-General of failing to protect him in the alleged illegal acquisition of his property.

Mburu’s suit comes two months after a three-judge ruled that the National Lands Commission misled State officials to approve payment of Sh1.5 billion to Mburu for the 13-acre piece of land on which Ruaraka High School and Drive Inn Primary School sit.

Justices Elijah Obaga, Bernard Eboso, and Kossy Bor ruled that the payment made by the Ministry of Education was irregular as the disputed property belongs to the State.

Mburu has since appealed the ruling and in the new case, he says the Sh1.5 billion he received should be reclaimed from the Sh36 billion he is demanding, should he lose the appeal.