Disputed Njiru land belongs to an Italian not Gerishon Kirima, MP Babu Owino now claims

Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino now claims that the disputed 1,000 acres of land in Njiru, Nairobi does not rightfully belong to late Starehe MP Gerishon Kirima. 

Addressing journalists in Nairobi on Friday, Owino alleged that the original owner of the land was an Italian national whom he says procured it from a man of Indian descent in 1966.

Owino further claims that the Italian national has since passed away but ownership of the land was bequethed to his son after his demise. The heir-apparent is currently in Nairobi according to Owino.

"The said land in question with an original LR NO 5908/8/1 and LR NO 5908/5/3 does not belong to Kirima neither does it belong to his family," Owino asserted.

"I'm here with relevant documents showing the original owner of the said parcel of land and we have gone a step further and brought this person all the way from Italy. As we speak, he is currently in Kenya."

Owino proceeded to read an indenture, which he says was issued by the High Court, following the sale of the property to the deceased Italian national.

"I hereby certify that the above-written grant of representation has been confirmed by the court pursuant to the provisions of Section 71 of the laws of Succession Act dated at Nairobi this 31/1/2011," the alleged High Court document reads according to Owino.

While noting that they would move to court alongside the heir-apparent to petition the Environment and Lands Court ruling, Owino was resolute that Kirima's kin must produce documents justifying their claims to the land.

"If this parcel of land belongs to Kirima's family then his family must produce the original title deed and completion documents like the ID copy of the person who sold him the land, passport-sized photographs, rent clearance certificate and rate clearance certificate," he said.

"The transfer form must be produced before a competent court of law and we must have proof of payment because if this land was sold to Kirima then there must be proof of payment. Without all these, then all the claims are hot air."

He added that; "We have done our homework; my people I can assure you that I will fight for you. You are not going to lose this. You are going to win this battle. It is a storm in a cup of tea; we are going to win it very soon. Hii tutapigana vibaya sana na hakutakuwa na mchezo!"