Malindi judge orders Swazuri to reply in Sh23 billion Lamu wind power suit

National Land Commission(NLC) Chairman, Mohamed Swazuri

A case in which an American investor has sued National Land Commission (NLC) chairman Muhammad Swazuri for allegedly favouring a rival firm will be heard on September 27, a court has ruled.

Cordisons International claimed that most respondents in its suit filed in January, this year, had erected many barriers to delay justice.

On Friday, Malindi Environment and Lands High Court judge J.O. Olola ordered Dr Swazuri and other respondents to file their written submissions within three weeks.

Only the Lamu county government, which is listed as the second interested party, has submitted its responses, detailing the legal processes Cordisons International followed since 2009 to receive requisite approvals to invest in Lamu.

Kenwind (K) Limited, which the NLC chairman is accused of favouring, and which is listed as the first interested party, has not filed its response. Instead Kenwind has filed an application challenging the jurisdiction of the court over this matter.

Cordisons International has sued the NLC chairman and Director Physical Planning in the Lands ministry, accusing them of refusing to grant it land lease instruments to invest Sh23 billion in a 100 megawatt wind power project in Lamu. This despite receiving approval from the national government agencies and the local county government. [Benard Sanga]