The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has issued formal demand notices to recover approximately Sh2.5 billion, including principal and interest, from former Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Education Principal Secretary Dr Richard Belio Kipsang, and 23 other individuals and entities linked to the Ruaraka land compensation case.

The commission gave the recipients seven days from August 10, 2026, to repay the amount jointly and severally, with interest calculated at 12% per annum starting from the date the funds were disbursed. Failure to comply will lead to civil litigation at the cost of the accused parties.

Background of the Case

The demands follow a Court of Appeal ruling on July 3, 2026, which upheld an earlier Environment and Land Court decision declaring the compulsory acquisition and payment of Sh1.5 billion for a 13.5-acre parcel in Ruaraka unlawful. The land, which hosts Ruaraka High School and Drive-In Primary School, was surrendered to the government free of charge in 1983 for a subdivision scheme, making it public property.

The court found that the National Land Commission (NLC) had no legal grounds to acquire the land or compensate for it.

Allegations Against Key Individuals

  • Fred Matiang’i: Allegedly initiated the acquisition process despite knowing the land was public and housed schools, resulting in abuse of office and loss of public funds.
  • Dr Richard Belio Kipsang: Similarly accused of initiating the acquisition process while aware of the land’s status, making him liable for the financial loss.
  • Prof Muhammad Abdalla Swazuri: Former NLC chairman, served with a demand notice for setting a compensation figure of over Sh3.2 billion and instructing the Ministry of Education to remit funds to the NLC, circumventing legal acquisition procedures.
  • Other Former NLC Officials: Dr Tom Konyimbih and Joash Oindo face accusations for approving and recommending the inflated valuation.

The EACC also disclosed that criminal investigations are ongoing and may lead to prosecutions of those found culpable.