A High Court hearing revealed a contentious land dispute involving a parcel worth KES 1.5 billion linked to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his wife, Dorcas. Mr. Gordon Ochieng, Director of Land Administration at Ardhi House, testified that two authentic title deeds exist for the contested property, both lawfully issued and endorsed by the Commissioner of Lands.
The court learned that Columbus Two Thousand Limited, associated with John Michael Ohas, and Wamunyoro Investments Limited, linked to Mr. Gachagua, both possess legitimate title deeds for the same land parcel.
According to Mr. Ochieng’s testimony, Columbus Two Thousand Limited was initially allotted the two-hectare plot for industrial use in 1994 under specific conditions, including payment of a premium within 30 days. Failure to meet this condition would result in the land reverting to government ownership.
Despite Columbus Two Thousand Limited’s initial payment, delays in subsequent premiums led to the property reverting to the government.
=Subsequently, the land was issued to Karandi Farm Limited, Peter N. Mbugua, and Pauline Muringe in 1999. However, in a controversial move, another title was processed for Columbus Two Thousand Limited, overlapping the property claims.
Mr. Ochieng clarified that while issuing two titles for the same land was irregular, the later allocation to Columbus Two Thousand Limited, although lawful in process, should be deemed illegal due to its encroachment on private property boundaries.
The court session, marked by Mr. Ochieng’s testimony, highlighted the unprecedented scenario of dual entities staking claim to the same property, raising intricate legal questions regarding land ownership and title issuance processes.
