The Environment and Land Court in Nairobi has ruled in favor of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, affirming his ownership of a contested property in Upper Hill and securing the tenure of the Sonko Rescue Team’s operational base.

The court dismissed a lawsuit filed by Rajkosmag Company Limited, which had sought to claim ownership of the Nairobi property—designated as Land Reference Number 209/6507—based on an alleged sale agreement with Kenya Railways Corporation in 2003.

Rajkosmag initiated legal action in July 2022, asserting that it held rightful ownership of the property. Sonko, however, countered in his affidavit that the lease was crucial for his public service work through the Sonko Rescue Team, which offers emergency rescue and social support services to Nairobi residents.

Sonko highlighted that the current use of the property aligns with the mission of his team, emphasizing his deep understanding of the property’s history and the transfer process from Kenya Railways Corporation to its pension scheme.

The court found that the property is, in fact, legally vested in the Kenya Railways Corporation Staff Retirement Benefit Scheme, which is the second defendant in the case and has leased the property to Sonko’s organization. The judge ultimately dismissed Rajkosmag’s case as time-barred, citing procedural flaws in their claims.

Additionally, court proceedings revealed that Sonko had emerged as the highest bidder for a portion of the disputed property following a tender process advertised by the pension scheme.

A defense witness testified that Sonko submitted the winning bid, took possession of the purchased portion, and is currently in the final stages of formalizing the sale.

The witness presented tender documents in court and confirmed that Sonko had received a notification of award and submitted a letter of acceptance to secure his position as purchaser.

Though the transfer of ownership has not yet been finalized, the court acknowledged that Sonko’s acquisition followed due legal processes.