Senators during a past special sitting at the Senate, Parliament buildings in Nairobi County.

📋 Breaking It Down

A son of former intelligence chief James Kanyotu will appear before a Senate committee investigating a land dispute in Kiambu County, after the High Court lifted orders that had blocked his appearance.

Willy Kihara Kanyotu had obtained court orders stopping the Senate Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources from appearing before the house in an inquiry involving residents of Two Rivers Crescent Estate.

While clearing the Senate to proceed with the inquiry, Justice David Mburu said the existence of pending court cases was not, by itself, enough to stop Parliament from investigating a broader matter of public concern.

📌 What You Need to Know

The court said the committee’s mandate goes beyond determining ownership of the disputed parcels.

The court noted that the committee was also examining the integrity of land records, action by the police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations over alleged threats and attempted evictions, the security of residents and the protection of purchasers for value.

The court, however, warned that any attempt by the committee to conclusively determine ownership or title, or decide succession matters pending before the courts, would raise a different constitutional question.

“Parliamentary restraint remains necessary, particularly where statements or findings may prejudice pending litigation,” the court said.

Mr Kihara had argued that the committee was usurping the role of the courts by interrogating issues already before the Environment and Land Court and the High Court, which is handling the succession case.

He said the dispute concerns ownership and title to several parcels at Two Rivers Crescent Estate, as well as his status as a beneficiary of the estate of his late father.

📰 Source: Nation Africa