Kilimambogo land dispute nears final judgment as court prepares ruling in nine-year battle involving 2,000 squatters

The long-running Kilimambogo land dispute, which has dragged on for close to a decade and involves more than 2,000 squatters, is finally inching toward resolution after the Thika Environment and Land Court concluded hearings on the matter.

Lady Justice Anne Mogeni, who presided over the case, announced that judgment will be delivered within two months following a scheduled site visit on November 13, 2025. The visit, she said, will help the court verify key details before writing the final ruling.

“This case has taken too long nine years is a long wait for justice,” Justice Mogeni remarked. “We understand the tension and anxiety among residents, but I urge all parties to remain calm and maintain peace as we await the court’s final decision.”

The dispute stems from the 2017 land allocation exercise conducted under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, where squatters were given plots of land in the expansive Kilimambogo area. However, some residents claimed that genuine squatters were left out, while others accused local officials of irregularities that saw non-residents benefit unfairly.

Petitioners led by Paul Kimenyi have asked the court to nullify the 2017 allocations and order a fresh adjudication process, arguing that the initial subdivision created tensions and insecurity. They allege that some individuals who had already been allocated land later sold their parcels and refused to vacate, fueling further disputes.

During the hearings, several witnesses including former Thika East Deputy County Commissioner Thomas Sankei, government surveyors, and local administrators testified that the allocation process followed the law and was transparent. They urged the court to uphold the initial adjudication, saying it was properly executed.

The court heard that the disputed land remains largely undeveloped, with residents citing lack of infrastructure, stalled projects, and poor access to services due to the prolonged ownership wrangles.

As the Kilimambogo community awaits judgment, hopes are high that the ruling will finally bring legal clarity, lasting peace, and pave the way for development in the once-thriving settlement area.

Justice Mogeni emphasized that the court’s decision will focus solely on determining rightful ownership and urged all affected parties to respect the outcome once delivered.

“The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but they will deliver fairness,” she said.