Arrest NLC chairman Muhammad Swazuri, court orders IG Joseph Boinett

National Land Commission chairman Muhammad Swazuri

NAKURU: A judge at the Environment and Lands Court in Nakuru has directed Inspector General Joseph Boinett to arrest National Land Commission chairman Muhammad Swazuri for ignoring court orders.

Justice Silas Munyao issued the arrest warrants for Dr Swazuri and three commissioners for contempt of court and directed them to pay a Sh250,000 fine each or face a three-month jail term at the Nakuru GK Prison.

Swazuri, Tomiik Koyimbih, Abigael Mbagaya and Emma Njogu had been summoned to appear in court Monday to explain why action should not be taken against them for contempt.

The four commissioners, however, did not honour the summons, forcing the court to issue the orders.

"Today was their day to mitigate before punishment is meted out but despite being served, they have failed to appear. I therefore, have no option but to mete out what I consider to be an appropriate punishment given the nature of contempt displayed," Mr Munyao ruled.

The contempt of court proceedings were instituted after the Swazuri-led commission met over a controversial parcel of land belonging to Lomolo estate in Mogotio, Baringo County.

NLC held the meeting despite a court order issued on January 27, 2015, prohibiting the commission from undertaking any dealing concerning the 3,500-acre parcel of land pending a court hearing.

RULING GIVEN

NLC had placed a newspaper advertisement on January 19, 2015, signalling its intention to inquire into the land title.

Despite NLC being served with the stay orders, the commission convened a meeting on February 12, 2015, and made an inquiry into the land, stating they had been appointed by the people of Kenya and that no High Court could stop them.

"The four commissioners should pay a Sh250,000 fine each and in default, face a jail sentence of three months," the judge ruled.