EACC moves to recover Sh1.5 billion paid in Ruaraka land deal

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The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) headquareters in Nairobi. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has begun the process of recovering Sh1.5 billion paid as compensation for land occupied by Ruaraka High School and Drive-In Primary School after the Court of Appeal upheld a landmark ruling declaring the payment illegal, null and void.

In a statement issued on Monday, the anti-graft agency said the appellate court's judgment has paved the way for the recovery of the public funds and the prosecution of individuals found responsible for the controversial transaction.

The Court of Appeal upheld an earlier decision by the Environment and Land Court (ELC), which found that the approximately 13.5-acre parcel occupied by the two public schools had already been surrendered to the Government as a condition for the approval of the subdivision of LR No. 7879/4 and therefore constituted public land.