Thousands of people in Nairobi's Chokaa and Njiru districts risk eviction after failing to meet payment demands issued by the Kirima family for land plots they own.

The lawyers representing the administrators of Gerishon Kirima's estate imposed harsh limitations on the locals.

PHOTO | COURTESY Kirima land saga

The offer letters sent to locals asked that they pay the full price of the plots, which varied depending on size and location.

Residents were given until December 19, 2023, to meet the conditions.

Residents were given offer letters last month to begin purchasing their plots.

One of the letters reads: "After verification of the plot and the location of the residential court, the final terms include an introductory plot purchase of Ksh.2.167 million for a plot measuring 30 by 60 feet and a further Ksh.100,000 administrative cost to cater for subdivision costs, valuers fees, administrative fees and legal fees incurred by the estate."

Residents have described the amounts as severe and far over the existing land value in the area.

Furthermore, residents claim that individuals serving as valuers for the late Kirima's family never set foot on the land to undertake valuation.

According to them, independent valuers set a 30 by 60 feet site at less than a million shillings.

Residents have asked the Kirima family to meet with them and work out a reasonable payment plan.

The offer letters dated December 22, 2023, also note that if the entire plot payments are not received by that date, the estate retains the right to revert to the December 31, 2023 court-ordered deadline.

In October of last year, a court declared that the land legally belonged to the estate of the late Kirima and ordered the settlers to depart.

The residents' fate is now in the hands of the Environment and Lands Court, which will rule on their case on January 23, 2024.