Lawyers, residents oppose court transfer from Thika to Gatundu

By Lawrence Ongaro

Lawyers in Thika, Kiambu County, have joined residents in opposing the plan to relocate the Environment and Land Court (ELC) from Thika to Gatundu.

Speaking in Thika town on Friday, February 13, 2026, they described the move as an injustice to Thika residents, saying it would burden them with the need to travel to Gatundu to seek services.

One of the key issues raising concern is that the court’s relocation was planned without public participation or consultation with residents.

It was claimed that the plan would impose additional costs on residents, who would have to travel farther and spend more money to reach Gatundu. At the same time, they argued that matters of justice should not be taken lightly.

The chairperson of the Thika Lawyers Chapter, Ms Wanjiru Mwangi, said the decision to relocate the Environment and Land Court to Gatundu was abrupt and would affect many clients accustomed to the Thika court.

“Instead of moving it to Gatundu, it would be better to find another suitable location within this town of Thika,” said Ms Mwangi.

Public leaders call for consultation

East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Karobia Maina said citizens should be given an opportunity to discuss the matter before such a step is taken. He said the move would significantly affect residents of Thika and its surrounding areas.

“Soon, Thika town will become a city, and therefore it should not be stripped of its status,” said Mr Karobia.

Lawyers displaying a banner opposing the court’s relocation on Friday, February 13, 2026. Photo/Lawrence Ongaro

He added that even though an affordable housing project is being constructed opposite the court, that was not a sufficient reason to relocate the facility.

Mr Daniel Gachau, a lawyer in Thika, said that as lawyers they were not out to criticize anyone over the relocation, but their main concern was to defend ordinary citizens so they could obtain justice.

“We would not want to see Thika residents traveling long distances to Gatundu to attend court hearings,” Mr Gachau explained.

He said the plan had not been thoroughly discussed and appeared to have been introduced hastily. He suggested that if relocation was necessary, another location should be sought within Thika town.

Business community, residents raise concerns

Thika Town ward representative (MCA) Mr Kentam Mwangi said the court should not be moved from Thika to Gatundu.

“We know Thika is a large town where many businesses operate,” said Mr Kentam.

He said Kiambu County has the capacity to find another location within Thika where the court could be rebuilt. He added that the court was constructed long ago by Kiambu County and has served many residents with land-related disputes.

Chairperson of Thika business operators Mr Alfred Wayoike said relocating the court to Gatundu would affect service delivery to Thika residents.

He said Thika residents and businesspeople have opposed the move, arguing that it would cost them more money to travel repeatedly from Thika to Gatundu, a distance of about 30 kilometers.

“Thika town is larger and runs more businesses compared to Gatundu,” said Mr Wayoike.

Mr Peter Gachie, a Thika resident, said many residents have opposed the move and would prefer the court to remain where it is instead of being relocated to Gatundu.

“As residents of Thika, we are very surprised by this matter, and we request that the move be suspended temporarily so it can be properly discussed with the public,” said Mr Gachie.