Court shields Mau Mau Shrine, suspends Ruto’s affordable housing project
The courts have boosted efforts to preserve the rich Agikuyu cultural heritage at the now disputed 58 acres piece of land at the Githunguri Kia Wairera Shrine that holds key heritage features including graves of Mau Mau fighters’ and historic gallows after slamming breaks on President William Ruto’s bid to construct affordable housing on the controversial land.
In his ruling, High Court Judge justice Bahati Mwamuye ordered the immediate suspension of all construction activities at Githunguri Kiawairera, a site believed to hold significant historical and cultural value.
The judge directed that all machinery and equipment be removed from the 58-acre property pending the hearing and determination of a case filed in court.
The petition was lodged by Kenya Unity for Memorial Peace Heritage and Culture Organisation (KUMPHCO), which is backed by local elders.
The group has strongly opposed the government’s plan to put up affordable housing—one of William Ruto’s flagship projects—arguing that the land is a protected heritage site.
Justice Mwamuye further ordered the contractor to cease all operations on the disputed land, including Township Plots 26 and 27 under LR No. Githunguri/Githunguri/Township 801.
He also directed the demolition of a perimeter wall erected on the site and instructed the contractor to vacate the area until the matter is fully heard and determined.
In court documents, KUMPHCO and community elders contend that the land contains graves of Mau Mau fighters as well as historic gallows, making it a site of immense historical significance.
They argue that any development on the land would amount to destruction of national heritage.
“The matter has attracted significant public interest,” the court noted, acknowledging the concerns raised by elders and heritage advocates over the preservation of Mau Mau history.
Through the petition, the organisation is seeking a declaration that the government violated their fundamental rights and freedoms by proceeding with plans to develop the land. They are also asking the court to compel the state to formally transfer ownership of the property to the organisation to hold it in trust for heritage preservation.
Additionally, the petitioners want the government to provide financial and administrative support to restore and preserve Githunguri Kiawairera as a national monument.
They are further seeking to have the site elevated to a national shrine with status comparable to the Koitalel Arap Samoei Mausoleum.
The group is also pursuing general, exemplary, and aggravated damages under Article 23(3) of the constitution, citing alleged violations of their rights.
On Friday last week, Agikuyu elders performed cursing rites against the government after police attacked their meeting with teargas and batons.
