The land dispute in Kasarani involving Hi Jung Oh Children’s Home and Life Reformation Centre has raised serious concerns about the role of the police in enforcing court orders.
The situation escalated when police officers from Kasarani and Marurui Police Stations allegedly facilitated an eviction of Korean investors despite a court ruling that barred any interference with the property.
This move has been met with outrage, with accusations that law enforcement officers are being used to aid one party in an ongoing legal battle instead of upholding justice.
The dispute over the land began in 2022 when Hi Jung Oh Children’s Home filed a case against Life Reformation Centre, accusing them of attempting to take over the property unlawfully.
The Environment and Land Court, through Justice O.A. Angote, issued a ruling on 27th January 2023, affirming that Hi Jung Oh Children’s Home remained the rightful occupant of the property.
This ruling was later reinforced by another order from Justice M.D. Mwangi on 16th October 2023, further prohibiting Life Reformation Centre from interfering with the premises.
Despite these clear legal instructions, police officers allegedly assisted in an eviction on 20th March 2025, raising questions about whether due process was followed.
Witnesses reported that the officers arrived at the scene and facilitated the takeover of the property without a court directive authorizing such action.
The management of Hi Jung Oh Children’s Home has termed this a blatant disregard for the rule of law and an example of rogue police elements being used to serve private interests.
In response to the eviction, the legal representatives of Hi Jung Oh Children’s Home, Githogori & Harrison Associates, issued a formal demand letter to the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Kasarani.
The letter strongly condemns the police for ignoring the court orders and actively participating in what it describes as an illegal occupation of the property.
The law firm argues that instead of enforcing the law, the police have taken sides in a private dispute, which not only undermines justice but also erodes public trust in law enforcement.
Further complicating the matter, the police have been accused of arresting several employees of Hi Jung Oh Children’s Home under unclear circumstances.
On 19th March 2025, these employees were taken to Makadara Law Courts to face what the home’s management claims are fabricated charges meant to pressure them into surrendering the property.
This move has only intensified concerns that the police are being used to intimidate one party in the dispute instead of acting as impartial enforcers of the law.
Legal experts have warned that such actions by the police set a dangerous precedent where court orders can be ignored at will.
One legal analyst noted that if law enforcement officers can openly disregard a court directive and forcefully remove occupants without any legal basis, it raises serious questions about the integrity of Kenya’s justice system.
The demand letter from Githogori & Harrison Associates gives the OCS a 24-hour ultimatum to comply with the existing court orders. It calls for the removal of any illegal occupants and an end to police interference in the matter.
The lawyers have also warned that failure to comply will result in contempt of court proceedings against both the OCS and Life Reformation Centre.
All eyes will be on the upcoming court session on 4th April 2025, when Hi Jung Oh Children’s Home is expected to push for legal action against those accused of defying court orders.
The case has become a test of whether legal protections in Kenya are strong enough to withstand what appears to be interference from influential figures using law enforcement to achieve their objectives.
The outcome will determine whether justice prevails or whether court orders can be ignored without consequences.
Add Comment