In a historic ruling that brought an almost decade-old legal battle to a close, the late Billionaire Gerishon Kirima’s widows, Teresia Wairimu and Anne Kirima, emerged victorious in the ownership dispute over a multi-billion-dollar land in Njiru, Nairobi County.
Delivered on Monday, the judgment by Kisumu Environment and Lands Court Judge Samson Odhiambo Okong’o sent shockwaves through the 300 claimants who contested the land’s ownership. This 80-acre parcel, which once housed the thriving Njiru Abbatoir, has been at the center of a contentious legal tussle.
The claimants, led by John Otieno Obade and others, argued that they had acquired the land through adverse possession, a legal concept allowing ownership through long-term unauthorized use.
However, Judge Okong’o firmly dismissed their claims, ruling that the group failed to establish legal ownership over the contested land. The two widows, named as respondents in the case, stood their ground, resisting the claims vehemently.
The claimants, seeking not only recognition of their ownership but also the opportunity to subdivide the land among themselves, argued that they had occupied the parcel exclusively for over 14 years. They claimed uninterrupted possession, emphasizing substantial developments made during their tenure.
Astonishingly, they asserted their ignorance of the legal owner until they were served with ownership documents in September 2014. This lack of knowledge, they contended, necessitated alternative settlement and housing before any eviction.
The Kirima family’s wealth had deep roots in the contested land, spanning a vast 500 acres. The land, once home to the bustling Njiru Abbatoir, faced a decline due to internal family disputes and prolonged legal battles. In its prime, the abattoir processed hundreds of cattle daily. However, these numbers dwindled significantly due to the protracted legal wrangles.
Family discord further hampered the business. Private developers initiated construction activities on the family land, prompting the family to seek legal recourse. Despite the challenges, the Kirima family persevered, ultimately emerging victorious in their fight to preserve their legacy.
The ruling wasn’t selective in its justice; two other parties, Kamatuto Self Help Group and Naridai Muoroto Self Help Group, who claimed the parcel was public land, also faced defeat in their court cases. Judge Okong’o’s verdict was unequivocal, directing these groups to vacate the land before the year’s end, ensuring a comprehensive resolution to this long-standing legal battle.
The Kirima widows’ victory stands as a testament to their resilience and determination, marking the preservation of their family’s rich legacy amidst adversity.
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