Charity Ngilu summoned to House over Sh1 billion public land sale

Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu.

Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu has been directed to appear before a parliamentary committee next week to explain the circumstances under which land worth Sh1.1 billion was allegedly transferred to private individuals.

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi directed Ms Ngilu to appear before the Lands committee to shed light on the transaction after Minority Deputy Leader Jakoyo Midiwo raised the matter in the House.

Mr Midiwo, in a letter addressed to the Speaker and tabled before the National Assembly, claimed the land located in Nairobi's Community, belonging to the Immigration Department, irregularly changed hands.

Mysterious fire

"I agree that the matter is urgent as it would not be appropriate for public property to be sold off. A quick response would be appropriate by the ministry. The letter is sufficient to draw the attention of the CS," said the Speaker.

The land is located between NSSF Building and the Milimani Law Courts. It previously served as an Administration Police camp before a mysterious fire gutted down the buildings a few years ago.

Midiwo told the House the land transaction could be completed in the next seven days and asked the National Assembly to move with speed to halt it.

He said he would table documents detailing the alleged transaction, including proof that the company to which the property had been transferred had already got a loan from a local bank using a fake title.

"If nothing is done and if the committee does not rush, it will set a very bad trend. There is already too much noise on stolen public land. The committee should check if there is an attempt to mortgage this land with a particular bank and get money. I have got wind that there is a fake title being charged in a bank to get the Sh1.1 billion," Midiwo claimed.

Midiwo wants the Lands committee to prepare a report on the transaction and also disclose the ownership and shareholding of the private entity.

He also asked for a clarification if the said land was irregularly allocated to the private entity and revoked through a gazette notice as recommended by the Ndung'u Report.

"The committee, in the statement, should also say what the Government and/or Land commission is doing to put a caveat and stop the intended sale of this public parcel of land," the MP said.

The Speaker's directive to the Lands CS came two days after the National Assembly rescinded a decision to summon Cabinet Secretaries to appear before the Committee on General Oversight.

Asmam Kamama (Tiaty) asked for clarification on the criteria to be used before referring members' questions to Cabinet Secretaries.

"It appears the member has been given special treatment. Every member has an issue. How will we approach these matters in future?" asked Kamama.