Families of ex-colonial chief inch closer to Sh729 million in compensation for land

At least 35 families of former colonial chief Wambugu Mathangani in Gatitu, Nyeri County, are a step closer to receiving Sh729 million as compensation for their land. This follows a High Court order to National Land Commission (NLC) to compensate the families for the compulsory acquisition of more than 50 acres currently hosting an agriculture demonstration centre and a research farm. NLC commissioner in charge of the Land Use Planning, Research and Counties Committee Esther Murugi met the beneficiaries when she explained the court's judgment on the compensation that will be awarded to them. "The court has given two judgments, one in May 2022, observing that the title of Wambugu farm to be returned to the beneficiaries within 45 days which never happened. The second judgment was on April 2023 which ruled that Wambugu farm beneficiaries be compensated Sh230 million which comprises of land and equipment and 14 per cent interest from 2007," Murugi said. Ms Murugi, who is also a former Nyeri Town MP, said the purpose of the meeting was to interpret the court judgment and explain to the beneficiaries the process to follow to access the money. "Every family must identify a representative who will receive the money on their behalf. They must produce a pin number, identification card number, and an account number with an active bank account," she said. Murugi said the government procedure to compensate them may take time since a lot of money is involved. Since the budget was read before the ruling, it is unlikely that there is ready cash, she said. Murugi assured the beneficiaries that the money will be paid through NLC, not an individual. "The full amount is not available yet but the government is going to look for the money. What we have now is the Sh145 million awarded in the 2007 court case and is in the previous land commission accounts," she said. Murugi assured the families that the compensation process will be transparent and only the beneficiaries would get the money. The chairman of Tana Water Works Development Agency Wanyaga Gathaka, who is a beneficiary, appealed to his relatives to follow the laid down process and be patient with the government as to include all those who are supposed to be compensated. "Let's cooperate and include everyone who should benefit from our forefathers' investments," he said noting that some of the beneficiaries died while still waiting for compensation. Mathew Mathangani, another beneficiary, said the compensation is long overdue noting that the family has waited for many years. "If each family can earn Sh20 million will be a good deal to us," he said.

Families of ex-colonial chief inch closer to Sh729 million in compensation for land

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Families of ex-colonial chief inch closer to Sh729 million in compensation for land

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