Babu Owino reacts to Court directive on disputed Kirima land

By Peter Ochieng

Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino has welcomed the Court of Appeal's directive on the disputed Kirima land, in Nairobi.

Occupants of the land in Nairobi's Kasarani and Embakasi East constituencies are facing possible eviction, owing to an earlier court order.

On Wednesday, a three-judge bench led by Mohammed Warsame urged the parties involved to resolve the issue out of court.

The vocal MP welcomed the ruling, stating that it favours the people.

"Thanks to the Court of Appeal for being on the side of the great people of Embakasi and Kasarani Constituencies," said Babu Owino.

"There will be no eviction nor harassment from the Kirima family until the appeal is heard and determined. We will defeat you the Kirimas."

The judges urged lawyers to talk to their clients so that the matter can be resolved amicably.

"The ball is in your court, don't take a very hard position. Talk to them and resolve the matter,” Justice Warsame said.

“We don't want our orders to evict anybody. Lawyers, talk with your clients, sit together and resolve this matter. This is not a matter for the court and its a matter that you can resolve and when there's consent people will be happy. You must negotiate and live together."

The three-judge bench maintained the current status quo on the matter, meaning the over 5,000 occupants occupying the disputed land will not be evicted.