A Nairobi court has ordered a former Permanent Secretary and 10 others to defend themselves in a corruption case involving the alleged irregular acquisition of cemetery land valued at KSh283.2 million.
The ruling marks a major step in the long-running case, which dates back to 2010 and concerns land allegedly acquired for a public cemetery in Mavoko, Machakos County. <Cite refs={[“turn900431view0″,”turn900431search2”]}/>
Senior Principal Magistrate Celesa Okore delivered the ruling at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, after finding that the prosecution had established a case requiring the accused to respond to the charges.
The court scheduled the defence hearing for January 25 to 29, 2027.
Former Government Official Among Those Accused
Among the accused is Sammy Kipng’etich Kirui, a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, alongside 10 other individuals and entities.
They face various charges, including conspiracy to commit corruption, fraudulent acquisition of public property, fraudulent disposal of public property and fraudulent practices in procurement proceedings. <Cite refs={[“turn900431search1″,”turn900431search3”]}/>
The case centres on allegations that public funds belonging to the defunct Nairobi City Council and the Ministry of Local Government were irregularly used in a transaction involving land intended for a cemetery.
According to investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the alleged scheme occurred between December 2008 and April 2009 and involved land parcel L.R. No. 14759/2.
Investigators allege that KSh283.2 million was presented as the cost of acquiring the property for the cemetery project. The circumstances surrounding the transaction and the handling of public funds form part of the prosecution’s case. <Cite refs={[“turn900431search1″,”turn900431search4”]}/>
Defence Hearing Set for January 2027
The court’s decision means the accused will have an opportunity to present their defence against the allegations. A finding that an accused person has a case to answer does not amount to a conviction.
The case has been before the courts for years as investigators and prosecutors pursue allegations linked to the acquisition of public land.
The EACC has previously pursued separate civil proceedings seeking the recovery of money allegedly lost through the transaction. <Cite refs={[“turn900431search4″,”turn900431search5”]}/>
All the accused remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.