Senate Probes Lands CS Wahome, Daughter over Sh10bn Ruiru Land Row

The Senate Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources has launched an inquiry into a 10 billion shillings land dispute in Ruiru, Kiambu County. Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alice Wahome and her daughter face scrutiny over their alleged involvement in the matter.

The dispute centers on Two Rivers Crescent Estate, where property ownership remains tied to the contested estate of former Directorate of State Intelligence (DSI) chief James Kanyotu. Residents claim that hired goons have harassed property owners in recent months.

Lawmakers summoned Lands CS Alice Wahome alongside Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen to explain reports of harassment, property destruction, and attempted land grabbing. Neither minister appeared in person before the committee during the session.

Committee chairperson Mohammed Faki informed senators that CS Wahome asked to be excused to attend a Cabinet sub-committee meeting. That meeting was chaired by Deputy President (DP) Kithure Kindiki.

Interior CS Murkomen submitted written responses while attending a National Security Council (NSC) meeting. Senators criticized the absence of physical representation from the Ministry of Lands during the proceedings.

Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa expressed concern over the ministers' absence, saying it undermines serious allegations of violence. He stated that affected homeowners acquired their land legally from the Kanyotu family starting in 2008.

Thangwa highlighted that CS Wahome previously served as a legal advocate for an interested party in the succession dispute. He stressed that her position creates perceptions of a conflict of interest, which requires clarification from her office.

Two Rivers Crescent Estate Residents Association chairperson Felisters Mwihia told senators that homeowners hold valid title deeds. She reported that goons have repeatedly invaded the estate to tear down security installations and alter plot boundaries.

Mwihia stated that trespassers have dug trenches and attempted to subdivide land for resale to third parties. She accused officers at Ruiru Police Station of failing to enforce existing court orders that protect the residents.

In his written response, Interior CS Murkomen maintained that police had not received formal reports of illegal eviction attempts. He explained that claimant Willy Kihara Kanyotu claims ownership based on alleged gifts and disputed succession orders.

Following the hearing, the committee directed the Inspector General (IG) of Police to protect legitimate residents from interference. Senators ruled that no homeowners should be evicted while ownership disputes remain in court.

Lawmakers issued fresh summons requiring both Cabinet Secretaries to appear before the committee next week. They emphasized that allegations of organized attacks against property owners demand immediate answers from the executive branch.

The probe underlines growing scrutiny over disputed residential developments across Kiambu County. Rapid urban expansion has increased land values, leading to complex ownership disputes on former large agricultural estates in the region.

Property analysts note that clear title registration is essential for maintaining investor confidence in Kenya's real estate sector. Prolonged ownership litigation often halts planned infrastructure and construction works across growing urban centers.

Parliamentary interventions aim to protect buyers who purchase land in good faith against fraudulent claims. Lawmakers plan to review regulatory gaps in land transfer procedures during the ongoing probe to prevent similar conflicts in the future.

The Senate committee confirmed that public officers connected to land governance must maintain high transparency standards. Further proceedings will resume once the summoned Cabinet Secretaries present their testimonies to the panel.