Worry as private investor lays claim to land on Kibuye market

Traders as Kibuye market in Kisumu on May 14 2022. [File, Standard]

The Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) has moved to court to block snatching of Kibuye market land in Kisumu after reports some private investors had laid claim on it.

EACC believes the land has been grabbed with the anti-graft agency moving in to try and recover it through a suit filed at the Kisumu Land and Environment court Monday.

In the suit, the EACC claims the developers want to be declared the sole owner of the entire Kibuye market and wants all traders evicted.

The market has been used by traders since 1971 and is a source of income for over 5,000 registered traders.

Kibuye market serves a population from Nyanza, Western and Rift Valley regions in buying and selling farm produce among other merchandise.

This week, EACC Chief Executive Officer Twalib Mbarak said the commission initiated investigations into the matter in February after the local county government raised fears it is on the verge of losing the parcel to a developer.

EACC has valued the property at Sh7 billion.

"Just like we have recovered other strategic public assets in Kisumu, including Taifa Park worth Sh500 million, three properties belonging to the Judiciary worth Sh940 million, and over 20 parcels of land belonging to the Kenya Railways Corporation worth Sh2 billion, we will also recover the parcel, " said EACC CEO.

He said EACC will recommend criminal charges against the said private developers.

According to EACC, one of the developers, claiming the parcel has three title deeds to the parcel.

Governor Anyang Nyong'o claimed some people have been trying to personalize public property with impunity.

"It is important to note that land grabbing and irregular allocations have affected us negatively on the growth of the city. We need land to help create investments," added Nyong'o.