The ownership of a parcel of land in Kenya has sparked a legal battle involving James Ng’ang’a, the controversial preacher and owner of the Neno Evangelism Centre, along with the Kenya Railways Corporation and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The National Assembly’s departmental committee on lands has given Ng’ang’a 14 days to provide evidence supporting his claim of ownership.
Ng’ang’a, appearing before the committee chaired by Joash Nyamoko, asserted that he purchased the land from the Central Bank of Kenya in 2004 for Sh32 million. He further stated that he later reapplied to purchase the same piece of land and paid an additional Sh42 million, ultimately receiving the title deed under the name “Neno Evangelism Center” in 2008. Ng’ang’a also mentioned former Transport CS James Macharia’s involvement, alleging that Macharia acknowledged receipt of documents related to the land but did not follow up on the matter.
However, conflicting claims have emerged regarding the ownership of the land. In November 2023, the Kenya Railways Corporation initiated legal proceedings against Neno Evangelism Registered Trustees and three other individuals, with the EACC listed as an interested party. The lawsuit, seeking a mesne profit of Sh500 million, alleges discrepancies in land ownership.
In response, the EACC independently sued Ng’ang’a and the Neno Evangelism Centre Registered Trustee, aiming to reclaim land purportedly belonging to the Kenya Railways Corporation but allegedly seized by private developers.
Ng’ang’a, in turn, filed a lawsuit against Kenya Railways in August 2023 concerning land parcel number 209/12361. Kenya Railways responded with a defence filed in September 2023, subsequently amending its defence to introduce a counterclaim in February 2024. Both EACC and Kenya Railways seek a mesne profit of Sh250 million from Ng’ang’a, claiming his utilization of the land for 25 years.
The term “mesne profits” refers to intermediate profits or damages for trespass. Amidst the legal complexities, Ng’ang’a was represented before the Committee by Lawyers Sylvanus Osoro and Susan Kemunto. Although initially scheduled to reappear before the Committee in 14 days, the hearing was postponed due to ongoing court proceedings involving Ng’ang’a and the Church as respondents in several suits.
The dispute underscores the intricate legal landscape surrounding land ownership in Kenya, with multiple parties entangled in litigation over the contested parcel of land. As Ng’ang’a faces scrutiny over his ownership claims, the outcome of the legal proceedings remains uncertain, leaving stakeholders awaiting further developments in this contentious saga.
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