Nairobi Family Fights to Reclaim Century-Old Land Amid Fraud Allegations
A Nairobi family is embroiled in a bitter legal battle over a 200-acre property known as Paradise Lost, claiming fraudulent land grabbers have invaded their ancestral land while authorities turn a blind eye.
Isaack Gichiab and his family, represented by lawyers Danstan Omari and Duncan Okatch, insist they have legally owned the Kiambu-based land since 1929. According to court documents, the property was originally acquired through a bank-financed purchase by Gichiab’s father before being transferred to Ndunde Investment Limited—a move the family now disputes.
“A Title Deed Is Just a Piece of Paper”
The dispute escalated in 2024 when unknown individuals allegedly produced counterfeit title deeds, attempting to seize the land. Despite reporting the fraud to the Ministry of Lands and the Kiambu Chief Land Registrar, the family says no action was taken.
“This is a cry for the right to property,” said lawyer Danstan Omari. “If this continues, then anyone holding a title deed is simply holding a piece of paper.”
The family accuses armed trespassers—described as “goons”—of occupying the land, destroying crops, cutting down trees, and even patrolling the area to prevent the rightful owners from accessing it.
“They are there day and night, ensuring the owners can’t step foot on their own land,” said advocate Duncan Okatch.
Police Inaction and Government Accountability
Frustrated by the lack of intervention, the family has filed a lawsuit at the Kiambu Law Courts, challenging the illegal occupation and destruction of their property. The case is set for mention on April 30, with a related constitutional petition to be heard on May 19 before Justice Bahati Mwamuye.
The legal team also accuses the police of failing to act despite multiple complaints. They are now pursuing accountability claims against senior officials, including the Inspector General of Police, for allegedly neglecting their duty to protect private property.
Warning to Potential Buyers
Amid reports of the land being sold at suspiciously low prices, the lawyers issued a stern warning to the public.
“To those being deceived into buying this land at throwaway prices, be warned,” they said. “Do not purchase anything until the court resolves this matter.”
The case highlights Kenya’s long-standing struggles with land fraud, where forged documents and bureaucratic delays often leave rightful owners powerless. As the legal battle unfolds, the Gichiab family hopes the courts will restore their nearly century-old claim to Paradise Lost.
— Reported by Nexio News
