EACC Moves to Recover KSh1.5 Billion in Ruaraka Land Scandal

Ksh 1.5 Billion Ruaraka Land Scandal: EACC Moves to Recover Money, Prosecute Those Responsible

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has announced that it will begin recovering Ksh 1.5 billion that was unlawfully paid in the controversial Ruaraka public land case.

The commission also plans to pursue criminal charges against public officials and other individuals involved in the deal.

The announcement follows a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on July 3, 2026, which upheld an earlier ruling by the Environment and Land Court declaring the compensation illegal, null and void.

According to the EACC, investigations found that the 13.5-acre piece of land occupied by Ruaraka High School and Drive Inn Primary School had already been surrendered to the Government at no cost as part of the approval for the subdivision of LR No. 7879/4.

The commission said the land became public property once it was surrendered, meaning there was no legal basis for compensating private owners.

The Court of Appeal agreed with these findings and ruled that the National Land Commission had no authority to carry out compulsory acquisition of land that already belonged to the Government.

The court further held that the payment of Ksh 1.5 billion to the landowners was unlawful and amounted to a loss of public funds.

EACC to Recover the Money

Following the judgment, the EACC said it will begin the process of recovering the Ksh 1.5 billion paid to Afrison Export Import Limited and Huelands Limited through Whispering Palms Estate Limited.

“The Commission will now pursue the recovery of the Ksh 1.5 billion unlawfully paid to Afrison Export Import Limited and Huelands Limited through Whispering Palms Estate Limited under the fraudulent compensation scheme,” the EACC said.

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Criminal Prosecution to Follow

The commission also confirmed that investigations into the role played by public officials and other individuals in processing the controversial compensation have been completed.

The inquiry file had been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in February 2025.

However, the DPP advised the commission to wait until the Court of Appeal determined the case before taking criminal action.

Now that the appeal has been concluded, the EACC says it will return the inquiry file to the DPP.

“Following the determination of the appeal, the Commission has resumed action on the matter and will resubmit the inquiry file to DPP. Those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the commission stated.

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Schools’ Land to Be Protected

The EACC has advised the Ministry of Education and the National Land Commission to speed up the processing and issuance of title documents for the land occupied by Ruaraka High School and Drive Inn Primary School.

The commission said issuing the titles will protect the schools’ continued occupation and use of the land.

Commission Emphasizes Fight Against Corruption

The commission said the ruling strengthens efforts to protect public resources and hold those responsible for corruption accountable.

“The Commission maintains its commitment to safeguarding public resources and to ensure accountability and the recovery of public assets acquired or lost through corruption and fraud,” the statement said.

The EACC added that it will continue working with relevant government institutions to recover public funds and ensure that everyone involved in the illegal compensation scheme faces the law.

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