Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has dismissed allegations that he illegally took over a piece of land in Nairobi’s Runda Estate, saying the matter is already before the Environment and Land Court.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 30, Alai revealed that the case was filed by Cancer Investments Limited, whose director Ahmed Mukhtar has accused him of trespassing and land grabbing.
Alai claimed that since the filing of the suit, Mukhtar and his legal team have engaged in a public smear campaign targeting his character.
“Since the filing of this lawsuit, Ahmed Mukhtar, Cancer Investments, and their lawyer have engaged in a deliberate and sustained effort to malign my character and reputation through inflammatory statements and unfounded allegations in the public domain,” Alai stated.
He warned that such actions could amount to contempt of court, adding that the remarks appear intended to influence the outcome of the case by applying public pressure.
Alai further accused Mukhtar of orchestrating scenes of violence to implicate him falsely. He alleged that Mukhtar paid goons to storm the contested land and stage confrontations, including an incident caught on video showing Mukhtar being chased away.
“Knowing that the matter is coming up in court this morning, Ahmed Mukhtar—who previously hired 500 goons to destroy the property—has continued to engage criminals to execute his agenda. This is part of a pattern to intimidate both me and the court,” Alai claimed.
He added that if the defamation continues, he will pursue legal action against Mukhtar.
Despite the ongoing legal dispute, Alai expressed confidence in the judiciary, stating that he has complied fully with all court directives, including a temporary injunction issued on May 19, 2025.
“I have complied with all court orders and filed my responses within the required timelines. I trust that the court will address the plaintiff’s claims, which contain significant evidentiary gaps and procedural inconsistencies,” he said.
The MCA also reassured Kileleshwa residents that the matter would not interfere with his responsibilities as their representative.
“I remain resolute in defending my rights and reputation through lawful means. I am confident that the truth will prevail and I will continue serving my constituents with integrity and dedication,” Alai concluded.
The dispute took a new twist after a video circulated online showing goons storming the property and forcibly ejecting Mukhtar. The Cancer Investments Limited director later addressed the press alongside his lawyer, Harrison Kinyanjui, stating that he bought the land in 1992.
Mukhtar accused Alai of chasing him off the land on March 31, 2025, prompting him to file the lawsuit. He also claimed that despite obtaining a court order on May 19 barring his removal from the land, Alai has failed to comply.
“On March 31, 2025, I found Robert Alai on my property and he chased me away. Immediately, I contacted my lawyers and we filed a suit. We obtained injunctive orders, but Alai has refused to honour them to date,” Mukhtar said.
