EACC recovers Ksh51M KCAA land in Mombasa

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has reclaimed public land worth Ksh51 million in Mombasa. The land, designated MN/I/2411, spans 0.514 acres and was owned by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). This recovery was achieved through an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) settlement reached on September 21, 2026, between the Commission and the property's registered owner, Mr. Omar Tahir. Mr. Tahir had agreed to transfer the property to the public as part of the settlement.

The EACC initiated the recovery through civil proceedings filed in 2009 under the case number ELC Case No. 177 of 2009. The case, known as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission v. Zakayo Kipkemboi Cheruiyot, Omar Tahir, and Sammy Mwaita, was handled by the Mombasa Environment and Land Court in 2009. Investigations conducted by the EACC revealed that the land was illegally allocated in 2000 by then Commissioner of Lands, Mr. Sammy Mwaita, to former Kuresoi Constituency MP, Zakayo Kipkemboi Cheruiyot. Cheruiyot subsequently transferred the land to Mr. Tahir.

The EACC expressed satisfaction with the ADR settlement, which concludes a 17-year legal battle. They emphasized that the land is now returned to the public for its intended purpose. Furthermore, the Commission called upon individuals who possess illegally or irregularly acquired public property to voluntarily surrender it, aiming to restore public assets without resorting to lengthy litigation and the associated expenses.