A 20-year Nairobi land dispute between two friends has ended in tragedy, claiming the life of Nyeri businessman Joe Njiiri, also known as Rukwaro. Now John Kinyua, 69, remains behind bars after his legal intervention meant to help turned deadly.
The dispute began over a five-acre plot in Kamulu, Nairobi. In 2004, Njiiri bought the land with the intention of processing the title deed. To handle the paperwork, he trusted his friend Allan Kibaki.
For years, Njiiri believed the title was being processed correctly.
Years later, when Njiiri wanted to sell the land, he found out the title had been put in Kibaki’s name five years earlier, even though Kibaki was acting as the broker. This led to a fight in Karatina Town and ended their friendship. Njiiri reported the issue to the DCI earlier this year, but after months with no progress, he became frustrated.
Frustrated, Njiiri sought help from John Kinyua, a professional land surveyor. Kinyua carefully helped him review the documents and legally restore the title to Njiiri. This should have been a victory. But it had deadly consequences.
Joe Njiiri’s Death over Land Dispute
On the evening he died, Njiiri went to Makuti Bar in Karatina Town. His son, Mark, said he had spent most of the day collecting eggs for his hens before stopping at the bar to relax. M-Pesa records show he paid his bill around 7:40 PM EAT. The next morning, his body was found in a banana plantation about 20 metres from his home.
Investigators say the suspects attacked Njiiri at his home. His wife was locked in a bedroom while Njiiri was ambushed. He was struck multiple times with a blunt object and dragged to a nearby banana plantation, where he died.
At first, the Police believed Joe Njiiri was murdered during a robbery because his vehicle and ome household items wre stolen. But only later discovered that his death was connected to the land dispute.
Authorities arrested 15 suspects. Ten were later released, leaving five in custody. Among them are Allan Kibaki, John Kinyua, and three others: Brian Murage, Dennis Njoroge (alias Weta), and Gilbert Ratemo.
The High Court in Nyeri has ordered mental assessments for the five remaining suspects before their trial begins.
Njiiri’s family says the tragedy could have been avoided. While Kinyua’s legal help was legitimate, it inadvertently revived old tensions, leading to fatal consequences.
By Vivian K.