SUPKEM land row: Nine arrested in Huruma, Nairobi over contested land earmarked for Sh24billion development
The nine suspects were subsequently escorted to Kilimani Police Station, where they were booked pending arraignment. They are expected to be presented before the Milimani Law Courts today, Wednesday, September 16, 2026, where they will face the allegations.
Nine people have been arrested over the alleged unlawful occupation and continued possession of a six acres parcel of land belonging to the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims Registered Trustees (SUPKEM) in Huruma, Nairobi County in which SUPKEM has earmarked to undertake a Sh24billion development.
The suspects were arrested yesterday, Tuesday, September 15, 2026, by officers from the Regional Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Nairobi Area, following investigations into a complaint lodged by SUPKEM.
Police said the arrests relate to allegations of forcible detainer, an offence under Section 91 of the Penal Code.
The parcel at the centre of the dispute is identified as Nairobi Block 130/1650, also known as L.R. No. 209/10509, located in Huruma.
According to police, the investigations were launched after SUPKEM reported the alleged unlawful occupation and continued possession of the property.
The nine suspects were subsequently escorted to Kilimani Police Station, where they were booked pending arraignment.
They are expected to appear before the Milimani Law Courts today, Wednesday, September 16, 2026, where they will face the allegations.
The arrests mark an escalation in the dispute over the property, with investigators now expected to present the suspects before court as they pursue the circumstances surrounding the alleged occupation.
Under Section 91 of the Penal Code, forcible detainer relates to unlawfully holding possession of property in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace against a person entitled to the property.
Last year, SUPKEM founding members issued a statement reaffirming the council’s rightful ownership of a six-acre parcel of land in Huruma, Nairobi.
The statement came after recent allegations by the local community regarding the land ownership along Outering Road Nairobi.
According to the statement, SUPKEM was officially allocated the land in 1982 by the Nairobi City Mayor a move that was part of a broader effort to support community-based religious and social development initiatives.
SUPKEM founding members outlined ambitious plans to transform the currently undeveloped land into a vibrant multi-use complex, with an estimated investment of Sh24 billion.
The proposed infrastructure will include residential rental units, retail shops, a modern mosque, malls, supermarket, and additional community facilities.
“This project represents not only an investment in infrastructure but also in the social and spiritual welfare of the Muslim community in Nairobi,” said Al Hajj Shaban Bakari, one of SUPKEM’s founding members. “We have a historical responsibility to ensure that the land is used for the benefit of the community, and we are committed to transparency and proper development.”
According to SUPKEM, the development project will generate an estimated Sh20million monthly that will go towards development of other projects across the country that will benefit the Muslim community.
The council is now urging members of the Muslim community to engage in dialogue and shun speculations.
Supkem provided land title deeds as prove of the councils legal ownership of the 6 acres piece of Land.
