[Source: Daily Nation, by Joseph Wangui]
A private land developer has sued the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for delaying in finalising investigations into the ownership of a multi-million property in Nyeri town.
Mr Ephantus Mabu Mate, in a case filed at the Land court, says the commission has taken more than seven years and is yet to determine the status of the prime parcel of land located along Kamakwa road, next to Outspan Hospital.
He says the EACC and the Chief Land Registrar in Nyeri started investigating the status of the property on February 8, 2012.
He further states that the registrar, with instructions from EACC, placed a restriction order on the land, prohibiting any dealings or development “awaiting finalisation of certain undisclosed investigations”.
Due to the restriction, Mr Mate says he has been prevented from developing the land and is incurring heavy losses in terms of wasted resources and anticipated future earnings.
He argues that he had already prepared approved plans for development of the plot, which is on one of the rich addresses of the town.
Despite him issuing the commission with demand letters and a notice to sue, the developer says EACC is yet to act.
Mr Mate purchased the land from Ranjit Singh Sagoo and Kalwant Kaur Sagoo, who had earlier bought it from one Joseph Macharia and Catherine Nyawira Kahuria.
Mr Mate wants the court to order for the removal of the restriction and compensation of losses in anticipated earnings.
The EACC and the land registrar, who are listed as respondents, are yet to file their response to the suit.
[Full article: Daily Nation, by Joseph Wangui]
