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Post Reply: Judge Extends Order Barring MCA Robert Alai from Disputed Runda Land

<blockquote><div class="quotetitle">Quote from <a class="profile-link highlight-moderator" href="https://lawguide.co.ke/understanding-law/legal-forum/profile/lawyer/">Lawyer</a> on July 1, 2025, 11:01 am</div><div id="pl-6734"  class="panel-layout" ><div id="pg-6734-0"  class="panel-grid panel-no-style" ><div id="pgc-6734-0-0"  class="panel-grid-cell"  data-weight="1" ><div id="panel-6734-0-0-0" class="so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child" data-index="0" data-style="{&quot;background_image_attachment&quot;:false,&quot;background_display&quot;:&quot;tile&quot;,&quot;background_image_size&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;background_image_opacity&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;border_thickness&quot;:&quot;1px&quot;}" ><div
			
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	<p dir="ltr" data-pm-slice="0 0 []">On June 30, 2025, the Environment and Land Court in Nairobi extended interim orders prohibiting Kileleshwa Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai from accessing, occupying, or interfering with a contested parcel of land in the upscale Runda Estate. The decision, delivered by Justice Mohammed Kullow, reinforces a temporary injunction issued earlier this year, pending the full hearing of a lawsuit filed by Cancer Investments Limited, which claims legal ownership of the property. The case has drawn significant attention due to Alai's prominent political profile and allegations of violent trespass, raising questions about land ownership disputes in Nairobi's elite neighborhoods.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The legal battle centers on a prime piece of land in Runda, a high-end residential area in Nairobi known for its exclusivity and substantial property values. Cancer Investments Limited, represented by lawyer Harrison Kinyanjui, asserts that the company has held uninterrupted possession of the property since purchasing it from Transnational Bank of Kenya on January 13, 1992. The firm maintains that it has consistently paid utility bills, including those to Runda Water Limited and electricity providers, and holds the original title deed, currently charged to Diamond Trust Bank of Kenya. The company alleges that it has never entered into any transaction with Alai or any other party regarding the property.</p>
<p dir="ltr">According to court documents, the conflict escalated on March 31, 2025, when Alai, allegedly accompanied by a group of armed individuals, forcibly entered the property. The incident reportedly involved the destruction of a gate and a concrete pillar, as well as an assault on the company's director, Mr. Parkar, who sustained injuries and reported the matter to Runda Police Station under OB No. 31/3/2025. The company claims that Alai's actions were unauthorized and that he has since attempted to occupy or lease the land, prompting Cancer Investments Limited to seek legal recourse.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Environment and Land Court first issued a temporary injunction on May 19, 2025, barring Alai and his associates from accessing the property following the initial lawsuit filed by Cancer Investments Limited. The recent extension of these orders on June 30, 2025, ensures that Alai remains restricted from any activities on the land until the case is fully adjudicated. During the court session, Justice Kullow heard arguments from both sides, with Kinyanjui emphasizing his client's long-standing ownership and lawful possession of the property. He refuted claims that Cancer Investments Limited or its representatives had engaged in public or social media campaigns to influence the case, focusing instead on the legal merits of their claim.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Alai, in his defense, argued that the injunction unfairly restricts his rights and activities, asserting that he has a legitimate interest in the property, which he intends to prove during the full hearing. He challenged the plaintiff's ownership claims, suggesting that their evidence contains gaps and that the balance of convenience favors lifting the injunction. Alai further alleged that the plaintiff had previously hired individuals to damage the property, a claim that Kinyanjui denied in court. The MCA has also publicly criticized the plaintiff's legal team and accused them of using social media to prejudice the judicial process, though these assertions were not substantiated in the court session.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The case has sparked considerable public interest, particularly given Alai's background as a vocal politician and former blogger known for exposing land-related issues in Nairobi. His involvement in a land dispute has led to accusations of irony, with some observers noting that a figure once celebrated for challenging land cartels is now accused of similar misconduct. Social media platforms have been abuzz with discussions, with some users labeling Alai a trespasser and others questioning the motives behind the lawsuit. The case has also raised broader concerns about land ownership disputes in Kenya, where competing claims and allegations of political influence often complicate legal resolutions.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Critics have pointed to Alai's alleged use of political connections to block police action during the March 31 incident, as claimed by Parkar, who reported that calls for police assistance went unanswered. These allegations have fueled debates about accountability and the influence of political figures in legal and administrative processes. The case is seen as a test of the Kenyan judiciary's ability to address land disputes impartially, especially in high-profile cases involving public officials.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This is not the first legal challenge Alai has faced in recent months. The Kileleshwa MCA has been embroiled in multiple lawsuits, including defamation cases filed by individuals such as veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machokaa and Radio Africa boss Paul Ilado. These cases, combined with the Runda land dispute, have placed Alai under intense scrutiny, with some questioning his conduct as a public representative. The ongoing legal battles underscore the complexities of balancing political influence, public perception, and legal accountability in Kenya's dynamic political landscape.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Runda property case also highlights broader issues surrounding land ownership in Nairobi, where rapid urbanization and high property values have led to frequent disputes. The involvement of a prominent MCA has brought renewed attention to the need for transparent land registries and robust legal frameworks to resolve such conflicts. As the case progresses, it is likely to serve as a benchmark for how Kenyan courts handle disputes involving influential figures and valuable properties.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The court's extension of the interim orders ensures that the status quo is maintained until the substantive hearing of the case. Both parties are expected to present further evidence, including documentation of ownership and records of utility payments, to substantiate their claims. The outcome of the case will hinge on the court's assessment of the legal title, the circumstances of the alleged trespass, and any evidence of lawful possession or interest by either party.</p>
<p dir="ltr">For now, Alai remains barred from the property, and Cancer Investments Limited continues to assert its rights as the registered owner. The case is set to resume at a later date, with Justice Kullow expected to preside over the proceedings. As the legal battle unfolds, it will likely continue to generate public and media interest, given its implications for land rights, political accountability, and the rule of law in Kenya.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The extension of the court order barring Robert Alai from the disputed Runda land marks a significant development in a high-stakes legal battle that has captured Nairobi's attention. With allegations of trespass, violence, and political influence at play, the case underscores the challenges of resolving land disputes in Kenya's capital. As both sides prepare for the full hearing, the outcome will not only determine the rightful owner of the Runda property but also reflect on the broader issues of transparency and fairness in Kenya's legal and political systems.</p>
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