Ex-governors Ranguma, Kidero barred from developing lakeside plots

Former Kisumu governor Jack Ranguma (left) and his wife Olivia Ranguma in a past event. (File, Standard)

Two former governors and a ministry of Lands official have been barred by the High Court from putting up structures on parcels of land encroaching on wetlands.

Jack Ranguma (Kisumu), Evans Kidero (Nairobi) and ministry official Alice Kaudia have been accused of invading a wetland in a case that is still pending at the Environment Court.

According to Justice Stephen Kibunjia, the court adopted a surveyor’s report that was presented last week, showing that the parcels were on a wetland.

The three have been sued by Michael Nyanguti, a local resident, who claimed that the trio owned swathes of land around Lake Victoria.

Mr Nyanguti said Mr Ranguma owned two plots in Korando while Dr Kidero owned seven. He claimed Kaudia owned two plots in Kogony.

The three have denied the allegations that they have encroached on a wetland.

Justice Kibunjia ordered Ranguma and Kaudia to stop any development on the plots pending the hearing and determination of the suit.

The judge also directed that a report on other parcels of land be filed in court within 90 days.