Kenya African National Union (KANU) has said it is disappointed by the High Court ruling on the ownership of the parcel of land where the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) sits.
In a statement on June 3 KANU said it disagrees with the judgement by Justice Jacqueline Mogeni granting ownership of the land to the Ministry of Tourism adding that its legal team has been instructed to file a notice of appeal with immediate effect.
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“We are in receipt of the judgement of the high court on the disputed ownership of the parcel of land on which KICC sits. As a party, we disagree with the ruling of the high court,” KANU said.
“The party has already instructed its legal team to file a notice of appeal with immediate effect as the party combs through the substance of the judgement to issue a comprehensive statement in due course.”
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Ruto and Muturi Dragged in KICC Land Tussle
Meanwhile, KANU has thrown a spotlight on President William Ruto and Attorney General Justin Muturi, implicating them in the ongoing KICC Land tussle.
Also Read: Court Delivers Verdict on KICC Ownership
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The party noted that Ruto and Muturi who were the then Secretary General and Organizing Secretary respectively were among those who moved to court to petition the land ownership.
“It must not be lost on Kenyans that this matter dates back to 2003 when the government unilaterally issued an executive order revoking KANU’s ownership of the land,” read the statement in part.
“Consequently, the party swiftly moved to court with its officials then who included President William Ruto and Attorney General JB Muturi in their capacities as Secretary General and Organizing Secretary, respectively.”
This revelation adds a new layer of complexity to the already heated dispute surrounding the prime piece of real estate in Nairobi.
Court Revokes KANU Title Deed
While delivering the verdict on Monday, June 3, Justice Mogeni said the land was illegally and unlawfully acquired by KANU.
She revoked the title issued to the party ruling that the Ministry of Tourism is the lawful owner of the land.
Also Read: KICC Renovation: MPs Stop Payment of Millions to Chinese Contractors
“A declaration that Ministry of Tourism is the lawful owner of the land and KANU registration is unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional,” the court declared.
However, the party argues that the allocation of the parcel of land was procedurally effected under the previous constitution.
“From the outset, KANU reaffirms its position that the allocation of the parcel of land was procedurally affected under the previous constitution. Therefore, we insist on our position that the Kenya African National Union is the legitimate and bona fide owner of the said parcel of land,” the statement further read.
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