A faction of the Dupoto settlement scheme in Nairobi has dismissed claims by another group alleging misappropriation of money meant for compensation of their land.
This follows an earlier claim by another group that called for investigations into several individuals over the alleged misappropriation of Sh2.7 billion meant for their compensation following the acquisition of their land in Embakasi South.
A faction called Dupoto Dafur Settlement Welfare Society wrote to various government agencies to dispute earlier claims by another one led by lawyer Thomas Letangule.
Three officials said in the letter dated March 13 they represent many other members of the scheme.
They claimed the firm of Letangule & Co Advocates has no instructions from their scheme or any of their registered members to act for them and/or write any letter on their behalf.
“That none of our registered members were at any time illegally and/or forcefully evicted
from our land in Embakasi as alleged in the aforesaid letter.
That our settlement scheme voluntarily and lawfully sold its land to the Kenya Railway Corporation with the full consent and knowledge of all the registered members on a willing buyer and willing seller basis.”
“That our registered members moved out of the land willingly and without any coercion,
threats, or force and therefore were not illegally or forcefully evicted as alleged. That no public funds or any funds meant for our scheme or its registered members were
lost, embezzled or misappropriated and we have no claim against the Kenya Railway
Corporation,” the letter said in part.
They added all the allegations made in the aforesaid letter are therefore malicious, baseless, unfounded and mere fabrications.
“That we the officials and our registered members are willing and ready to give further information or clarify any issue any time if called upon.”
The letter was signed by Likam ole Kiambu (chairman), John Karu (secretary) and Victor Ochieng (treasurer).
The letter was received by Director of Public Prosecutions, Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission and Director of Criminal Investigations.
The other group through their lawyer Thomas Letangule claimed they were forcefully evicted from land they had occupied for over 30 years without proper compensation.
They marched to various offices, including the DCI where they submitted a petition seeking investigations into the alleged misuse of funds.
They further claim a law firm was appointed to receive the compensation funds instead of Letangule and Company Advocates, facilitating the embezzlement of the money.
But Kiambu said Letangule was dropped as the case progressed and only reappeared when the compensation was being made.
“He demanded more money as compensation which the members disagreed because it was exorbitant. That is why he is taking the uncalled for steps now,” he argued.
According to the petition, all key documents, including lease and offer letters, were signed in a government office.
Additionally, the members want Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) investigated for allegedly facilitating corruption and misuse of public funds by knowingly disbursing the money to other lawyers instead of their legal representative.
In 2024, the members filed a case in the Environment and Lands Court seeking to stop KRC and the National Land Commission (NLC) from making any payments related to the compulsory acquisition of their land.
They argued that despite relocating with the promise of receiving their compensation, they had not been paid the remaining amount. However, they later withdrew the case.
They argue that despite agreeing to withdraw their case, the government has failed to honor its promise.
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