Former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta and ex-Taveta MP Basil Criticos have returned to court seeking ownership transfer of a 2,624-acre farm in Taita Taveta County. They accuse the Chief Land Registrar of ignoring a court order issued in December last year. The court declined urgent status and gave respondents 15 days to reply.
Former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta and Basil Criticos, ex-MP for Taveta, have filed a case at the Environment and Land Court in Nairobi. They seek to compel land officials to transfer ownership of a 2,624-acre farm, known as LR 10287/7 in East Taita Township, into their names.
According to court documents, the Chief Land Registrar has failed to implement a December 11 court order from last year, which directed him to issue a title deed and cancel unlawful records. The petitioners want the court to summon the registrar to explain the non-compliance.
In his affidavit, Criticos stated, “The first respondent, being the Chief Land Registrar, has refused to issue a temporary title deed or submit a compliance report within 14 days despite several reminders.” He added that their lawyers wrote letters on December 17 and January 13 without response.
Their lawyers request the court to order publication in the Kenya Gazette revoking illegal titles and a compliance report. This legal dispute has persisted for years, involving private individuals, government entities, and squatter settlements.
However, the judge denied urgent orders and directed the petitioners to serve respondents, including the Attorney General and Chief Land Registrar, with the case documents. Respondents have 15 days to file replies.
The farm has long been a source of ownership conflicts and housing issues.