State sued over 4800-acre land owned by self-help group

The High Court has given the Government 30 days to file its defence in a case in which squatters have accused local administration officers of interfering with the operations of 4,803 acres.

While making the ruling yesterday, Justice Joel Ngugi ordered the Attorney General to file a response and affidavit in opposition to the suit filed by Barina Squatters Self-help Group.

“The AG is to file and serve a reply to the applicants before the case comes for direction on November 5,” ruled Justice Ngugi.

In the suit, the squatters' group is seeking an order prohibiting the Government from interfering with the applicants’ possession of land measuring 4,803 acres located in Rongai sub-county.

“That court be pleased to grant order of prohibition to prevent the Government from obstructing, stopping, halting, blocking, digging or interfering with the quiet possession of the land,” reads the application.

The group also wants orders barring the Government from prohibiting the meetings.