Omtatah wins 8-year court battle to recover 843 acres of Government land in Busia County

After eight years of advocacy, human rights activist Okiya Omtatah on Tuesday won a court battle that will see the government recover 843 acres of land. 

On a thread of posts on his social media account, the activist revealed the years it took him to recover the government-owned land. 

“After 8½ years of advocacy & litigation I recovered the 843 acres (341.2 ha) piece of government land in Busia County from fraudsters who had stolen it and I restored it to the public.” his post read. 

The Activist went on to reveal that the Busia County Land Registrar has issued a new title deed in the name of the Principal Secretary, Treasury, who is the custodian of all the assets of the National Government.

“On Tuesday, 20th August 2019, the Busia County Land Registrar canceled the title deed fraudulently issued to the private Busia Sugar Company and issued a new one in the name of the Principal Secretary, Treasury, who is the custodian of all the assets of the National Government.” he continued. 

Omtatah handed the new title deed back to the Government through the Busia County Commissioner. 

“I handed the new title deed to the land back to the Government through the Busia County Commissioner. The new Title Deed has been dispatched to The PS Lands who in turn will submit it to the PS Treasury to hold it in trust for the people of Kenya.” his post read. 

The ruling means the government can proceed with the construction of Busia Sugar Company.