The High Court in Kiambu has ordered the immediate suspension of construction works at the disputed Githunguri affordable housing project. In a ruling issued by Justice Bahati Mwamunye, the court directed the contractor to stop all activities on the contested 58-acre piece of land. The judge also ordered the demolition of the perimeter wall and instructed those on site to vacate the area until the case before the court is heard and determined.
The land has become a subject of contention between the government and elders from the Agikuyu community, who claim it holds deep cultural and historical value. The court’s decision follows a recent traditional ceremony conducted at the site by Kikuyu elders. Shortly after the ritual, lawyer Njoroge Mwangi moved to court, filing a petition challenging the continuation of the housing project.
Reacting to the ruling, Gitau Boro welcomed the decision, terming it a major step toward safeguarding cultural heritage. He urged the government to respect the court order and allow what he described as the fulfillment of the prophecies of Mugo wa Kibiru, including the establishment of a Thingira.
During the ceremony held on Friday, the elders performed symbolic rites, including breaking a calabash as a sign of a curse directed at those they accuse of disregarding Kikuyu traditions and heritage. The elders maintain that the land should be preserved as a cultural site, emphasizing its importance to the community’s identity and history.
