Freemasons Sue Sakaja for Compensation Over Nairobi Hall Shutdown

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 21, 2025 – The Freemasons Society has filed a lawsuit against Nairobi County Government, seeking compensation for damages following the closure of their hall in a dispute over Sh19 million in allegedly unpaid land rates.

In proceedings before High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye, the society accuses Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration of unlawfully encroaching on their Nyerere Road property despite an existing exemption from land rates.

Court documents filed by Rachier and Amollo Advocates detail how county officials forcibly entered the premises on May 14, demolished a gate, and posted a notice claiming ownership over unpaid rates.

The Freemasons called these actions “illegal and a violation of their constitutional rights.”

“The respondent, acting through its agents, unlawfully entered the petitioner’s property, used excessive force, and caused damage,” the court papers state.

The Masonic Trustees argue that as a registered philanthropic organization, they were granted exemption from land rates through Legal Notices 389 and 390 of 1990 – exemptions they maintain remain valid and have never been revoked.

According to their filing, Nairobi County had previously acknowledged this exemption and withdrawn similar notices in past incidents.

The society contends that the county’s conduct breaches Article 47 of the Constitution, which guarantees fair administrative action and requires public bodies to honor their prior decisions.

The Freemasons are seeking a court declaration that the county cannot demand rates it had previously waived, compensation for rights violations, and reimbursement of legal costs.

Justice Mwamuye has scheduled a hearing for May 29, 2025.