By Benjamin Muriuki
A family in Tigania Central is crying for Justice after their ancestral land was allegedly grabbed by an individual following what they claim was a controversial court ruling.
The family which hails from Antuamburi adjudication area, Kathiori village in Tigania Central says the land was illegally taken away from them.
The family of Aphaxard Kirimi alleges that a person, who claims to be the owner has taken over their land unlawfully.
They said the courts ruled on the matter without giving them the right to respond, raising concerns of corruption within the judiciary.
“The family believes that the decision was biased and unjust. The court made a ruling without hearing our side of the story. This shows clear elements of corruption and denial of justice,” said a member of the Kirimi family.
The Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders from Tigania Central, who were involved in the dispute, also expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s ruling.
They claim the matter was brought before them and after conducting a thorough investigation, they concluded that the land rightfully belongs to Aphaxard Kirimi.
Murangiri, the Secretary General of Operations for the Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders, accused the judiciary of being unfair in its decision making.
“If the court lacked evidence, we are ready to provide it. We did our investigations and found that the land belongs to Kirimi. The ruling by the court is disappointing. We urge the judiciary to revisit the case,” Murangiri said.
Velma Gacheri, daughter of Kirimi, emotionally recounted her connection to the land.
“I was born and raised here. From my childhood to adulthood, I have never seen anyone else claim ownership or even a portion of this land,” stated Gacheri.
The family further claims that the individual in question recently entered the land, destroyed their maize plantation, and divided the property into two separate pieces.
The elders, along with the family, are calling on the judiciary to re-examine the case.
They insist that if the court requires more evidence, the Njuri Ncheke is prepared to provide it to ensure justice is served.
