The High Court has halted construction of an affordable housing project in Githunguri, Kiambu, after Kikuyu elders claimed the land holds Mau Mau fighters' graves. Meanwhile, President William Ruto has ordered demolitions at Gusii Stadium and Suneka Airstrip. The moves put billions in public funds at risk.
The High Court issued an order halting all activities on 58 acres in Kiawairera, Githunguri, dealing a blow to President William Ruto's housing agenda. The order prohibits digging or accessing the land until a constitutional case is heard on April 28, 2026. The Thika Environment and Land Court issued similar directives, mandating removal of all equipment and restoration of the site's original state.
Complainants state the land contains Mau Mau graves, an execution site for prisoners, and the former Githunguri Teachers College closed in 1952. They claim the government allocated it without public participation or regard for heritage laws.
In Kisii and Nyamira counties, President Ruto ordered demolitions at Gusii Stadium and Suneka Airstrip's passenger building. "This building resembles a residential house. I have ordered it demolished and rebuilt," the President said. Suneka Airstrip had been upgraded with Sh52 million, with a Sh132 million plan before the 2022 election.
Gusii Stadium, improved with over Sh200 million in recent years including Sh34 million in 2024, will be rebuilt for 14,000 capacity at Sh1 billion. Analysis shows over Sh500 million could be lost due to these changes.
