President William Ruto is among the high-profile figures whose properties have been seized by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in a crackdown on corruptly acquired assets.
According to the Nation on February 2, over the last six years, the EACC has reclaimed land, buildings, vehicles, and cash worth Sh31.5 billion, with Ruto’s properties among the most significant recoveries.
William Ruto delivers a keynote speech during a past event. Photo: Tuko Source: Instagram
One of the major assets recovered is an 8.19-acre parcel of land in Eldoret’s Elgon View estate, initially designated for Eldoret Municipality staff housing.
The land was illegally subdivided and registered under private ownership, including Ruto’s company, Somog Ltd. In 2023, the High Court ruled that the land was public property, rejecting claims by its private owners. The property’s value has since risen from Sh68 million to Sh399.1 million.
In addition to the Eldoret land, companies linked to President Ruto were involved in the controversial sale of illegally excised Ngong Forest land to Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), receiving millions in payments.
Though Ruto was acquitted in 2011 due to insufficient evidence, the EACC has successfully reclaimed several properties linked to the transactions.
Further notable recoveries include five parcels of land in Eldoret associated with former President Daniel arap Moi and ex-Cabinet Minister Nicholas Biwott, housing key public facilities such as the Eldoret fire station and an Administration Police camp. These properties were recovered in the 2018/19 financial year.
The EACC also seized a Kisii land parcel from MP Zaheer Jhanda and a government house irregularly transferred to businessman Justin Kimutai Sirma, later sold to Catholic nuns. The High Court upheld the government’s ownership in a landmark ruling.
To expedite asset recovery, the EACC has intensified legal action, filing 47 new cases in the past year. With over 400 cases in court, the agency aims to reclaim assets worth Sh49.5 billion, reinforcing its commitment to a corruption-free Kenya.
