Faith Masita
Former Taita-Taveta MP Basil Criticos will receive Ksh 30 million from the government after the High Court ruled that his constitutional right to property had been violated a decision legal experts are calling a landmark for citizens’ property rights.
Criticos, a prominent businessman and former legislator, welcomed the ruling, saying, “This is a victory not just for me, but for every Kenyan whose property rights are under threat. The government must respect the law and the rights of its citizens.”
The High Court found that government actions had unlawfully interfered with Criticos’ ownership and control of his land, causing financial loss and distress. His legal team argued that the compensation should reflect both the tangible and intangible harm caused.
Criticos’ lawyer, Peter Mwenda, said, “The court has affirmed that constitutional rights are not optional. This ruling reinforces that even public authorities must operate within the law.”
Constitutional law expert Jane Mwangi added, “This is a precedent-setting case. It strengthens the judiciary’s role in protecting private property and signals to government agencies that arbitrary actions will not go unchallenged.”
The government has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the decision. Meanwhile, critics say the case highlights long-standing tensions between citizens and state agencies over property rights, making the ruling a major test of Kenya’s commitment to constitutional protections.
Criticos, a prominent businessman and former legislator, welcomed the ruling, saying, “This is a victory not just for me, but for every Kenyan whose property rights are under threat. The government must respect the law and the rights of its citizens.”
The High Court found that government actions had unlawfully interfered with Criticos’ ownership and control of his land, causing financial loss and distress. His legal team argued that the compensation should reflect both the tangible and intangible harm caused.
Criticos’ lawyer, Peter Mwenda, said, “The court has affirmed that constitutional rights are not optional. This ruling reinforces that even public authorities must operate within the law.”
Constitutional law expert Jane Mwangi added, “This is a precedent-setting case. It strengthens the judiciary’s role in protecting private property and signals to government agencies that arbitrary actions will not go unchallenged.”
The government has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the decision. Meanwhile, critics say the case highlights long-standing tensions between citizens and state agencies over property rights, making the ruling a major test of Kenya’s commitment to constitutional protections.
