Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku in Narok Environment and Lands Court
to defend the government over the 2014 invasion of Nguruma private group
ranch by the Lodokilani clan of Maasai community.
Taking a witness stand before ELC Judge Justice Mohammed Kullow,Mr
Lenku absolved the government’s involvement in the invasion and
destruction of property.
The Nguruman Limited filed the petition in 2018 demanding a sum of
Sh 50 Billion compensation from the state for failing to protect her
property from invading the over 50-acre ranch.
There was drama at the court when the petitioner’s advocate Ahmednasir
Abdullahi faced off with the Governor who then served as the country’s
Interior Cabinet Secretary.
Mr Abdulahi while cross-examining Lenku questioned his competency in
the docket since him previously worked in the hospitality industry
before being appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2013.
Criticism of Lenku’s former qualifications seemed not to auger with
Lenku who asked for court’s protection against the ‘aggressive’
lawyer.
Governor who was represented by the Deputy State Counsel Mr Oscar
Eredi opposed the compensation of Nguruman Limited saying that the
ranch owner had no case worth compensation.
Lenku and Abdulahi’s outburst saw the Governor tell the court that the
lawyer seems to have had vendetta with him since he has been insulting
him on social media.
This allegation was however downplayed by Judge Kullow who said that
The court was now aware of the said social media insults.
Lawyer Ahmednasir however took issue with the October 31,2014 meeting
held at then CS Lenku’s office at Harambee house with the Kajiado
elected leaders over the Nguruman,Shombole and Olkiramatian group
ranches dispute.
Lenku denied having ordered removal of police from the Nguruman
property, exposing it to invasion by the villagers saying that as
CS,he had no express authority to order the police.
He defended his meeting with local politicians saying the aim was
meant to restore security in the area since the land dispute was
posing a national security threat.
The case will come up for highlighting on March,15,2021.