Freemasons Sue Nairobi County Over Sh19 Million Land Rate Dispute
The Freemasons Society has taken legal action against the Nairobi County Government after its property along Nyerere Road was clamped in a dispute over unpaid land rates amounting to Sh19 million.
In a case filed by the Masonic Trustees, the philanthropic society claims that Nairobi County unlawfully invaded and encroached on its property despite being exempt from land rates. According to court documents, the society was granted a permanent exemption through Legal Notices 389 and 390 of 1990, which have never been revoked.
“On May 14, 2025, the respondent, acting through its agents and/or representatives, unlawfully entered upon the petitioner’s property, used excessive force to demolish the gate, and affixed a notice indicating that the petitioner had defaulted in the payment of land rates to a tune of Sh19 million,” reads the court papers.
The Freemasons say the county’s action not only violated their property rights but also contradicted previous acknowledgments from City Hall. The society claims that the county has on several occasions admitted through correspondences that the Freemasons are exempt from paying land rates.
The group, registered in Kenya in 1990 under the Societies Act, argues that this is not the first time Nairobi County has attempted to clamp their property. In previous instances, the county withdrew its actions after being reminded of the legal exemptions.
“It is for this reason that the petitioner was greatly shocked and dismayed by the respondent’s invasion of its property on May 14, 2025, notwithstanding the continued existence and validity of the said exemption,” the society stated.
The Freemasons are now seeking compensation for the damages incurred during the forced entry and the reputational harm caused. Additionally, they want the court to affirm that Nairobi County cannot demand payment of land rates from an entity that is legally exempt and to order the county to cover the legal costs of the suit.
Justice Mwamuye, who has certified the matter as urgent, directed both parties to appear in court on May 29, 2025, for a hearing.
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Freemasons Sue Nairobi County Over Sh19 Million Land Rate Dispute