[Photos] Gachagua meets PCEA Church leaders over disputed land

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Monday met Kitengela PCEA Church leaders to discuss the disputed piece of land.            

Over the years PCEA has been seeking an out-of-court settlement in the 2.5-acre piece of disputed land with the Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA).

The meeting held on Monday was led by the Rev. John Chang'ari, the Principal Secretary for Investments Abubakar Hassan, EPZ Chairperson Richard Cheruiyot and the CEO of EPZ Aden Hassan at his official residence in Karen.

"I am glad we have found a way forward," the DP said on his X account.

"The MP for Kajiado North Onesmus Ngogoyo joined me at the meeting. We thank him for being part of the team," he added.

Gachagua also stated that sustainable peace is the way to go in addressing land issues.

On September 21, 2023, the Kajiado Land Court ruled that the 2.5-acre piece of land where the church and a primary school sit belongs to EPZA.

The Authority and the church have been entangled in a dispute for nine years. The church was told to vacate the land.

The ruling triggered anxiety among members of the 2,000-seat capacity church and over 1,000 parents of the school.

PCEA leaders led by Rev Thegu Mutahi, the national moderator and Rev John Chang’ari Kajiado presbytery moderator asked the members for patience as they addressed the matter.

"We have received the news of the ruling with shock since we have always known that we purchased the land through the legal process. We are dissatisfied but we will honour the court ruling," Thegu said in a church service on September 24, 2023.

"We are consulting our legal team to chart the way forward on this emotive matter. The Judiciary encourages us to seek alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and as a church, we would also consider an out-of-court resolution."