Former Safina Party founding chairperson and senior lawyer Paul Muite has strongly criticised the Government of Kenya for repeatedly ignoring court judgments, especially those involving compensation owed to ordinary citizens.
In a detailed statement shared on social media on December 2, 2025, Muite revealed that the state has failed to pay more than KSh 15 billion awarded to Kenyans who successfully won their cases in court.
He noted that this neglect has left many victims struggling quietly, despite having legally valid judgments in their favour.
According to Muite, thousands of Kenyans continue to suffer because government ministries and agencies simply refuse to honour compensation orders.
“Many people with judgments in their favour delivered by courts are suffering in silence. Present and past regimes simply ignore court orders and refuse to pay,” he wrote, expressing deep concern over what he termed a long-running culture of impunity.
Muite wants the incoming leadership of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to prioritise this matter once they assume office. He argued that the LSK, together with the Judiciary, must push the government to comply with the law and release payments owed to Kenyans.
“The incoming LSK President and Council need to take up this issue with the GoK and the Judiciary. Over 15 billion is owed!” he insisted.
Ogiek Community Case Still Unresolved
Among the high-profile cases facing delays is the compensation claim by the Ogiek indigenous community, who were forcefully evicted from the Mau Forest Complex in 2009.
The community is demanding KSh 157.85 million in compensation following a lengthy legal battle.
On October 25, 2025, the Ogiek community petitioned the National Land Commission (NLC) to speed up both compensation and resettlement, saying they have waited far too long for justice.
Owino Uhuru Residents Yet to Receive KSh 2 Billion
Another notable case involves more than 3,000 residents of Owino Uhuru village in Mombasa, who sued the government over severe lead poisoning caused by pollution from a nearby metal refinery.
After years of litigation, the Supreme Court ruled in their favour on December 6, 2024, awarding them KSh 1.3 billion in damages and an additional KSh 700 million for environmental cleanup — a total of KSh 2 billion.
However, by October 1, 2025, local media reported that many residents had lost hope of ever receiving the funds, saying the government had shown no urgency in paying the compensation.
Widespread Delays Amount to Over KSh 15 Billion
These examples represent only part of the cases where court-ordered payments have not been honoured. Muite argues that, combined, the unpaid claims exceed KSh 15 billion, leaving many victims discouraged and unable to move on with their lives.
The senior lawyer’s remarks have sparked renewed debate about government accountability, the respect for court orders, and the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure citizens receive justice long after winning their cases in court.
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