By Joseph Murangiri
President William Ruto’s housing program has been dealt a blow after a court in Meru issued restraining orders barring the county government of Meru and the National Housing Corporation from accessing a land set for affordable housing in Meru
This is after Geoffrey Kinja Karanca, a resident sued the government, accusing it of grabbing his land arguing that the land set for affordable housing belongs to him.
In his ruling, Justice C.K Nzili ordered that no activities should be carried out on the parcel of land that Geoffrey Kinja Karanca claims to own by virtue of a certificate of lease.
“I direct that conflicting parties cease from interfering with the land at Meru Municipality Block 1/376 claimed by the plaintiff until the matter is heard and determined,” said Justice Nzili.
Speaking to the county focus newspaper upon the ruling, Karanca blamed the County government and the Nation Housing Corporation for kicking him from his land last year.
“The county government and the Housing Nation corporation drove me out of the shamba in broad daylight and have since failed to appear in court,” decried Karanca.
The move by the latter, he says, is meant to derail his efforts to have justice rendered as much time has been wasted since he took the matter to court.
Karanca further blamed individuals from the county administration for the menace, citing greed by county officials who seek to sabotage the smooth running of the Governor’s administration.
‘’ I am among the most patriotic residents of Meru but I have a feeling that some people want to hinder the proper running of the County government through crooked acquisition of other peoples’ property,” claimed Karanca.
Karanca filed a case on October 27, 2023, accusing the County government of Meru of invading his block, destroying the fences, and cutting down the trees on the disputed parcel of land.
He also accused the National Housing Corporation and the County government of being in the process of excavating the land to build permanent structures.
The case is set for hearing on 14th of May, 2024
