Nairobi County's Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, failed to appear for his sentencing at the Environment and Land Court on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, after being found guilty of contempt of court. His lawyer informed the three-judge bench that Mosiria had fallen ill upon learning he could face jail time for disobeying a court order that prohibited new development approvals in the Parklands area.

The case, which has drawn significant public attention, underscores the growing conflicts between residents' associations and the Nairobi County government over the rapid and often controversial urban development transforming the city's neighbourhoods. The court granted Mosiria a temporary reprieve, agreeing to first hear his application challenging the contempt ruling before proceeding with sentencing.

Disputed Development in Parklands

The legal battle began on March 5, 2025, when the Environment and Land Court issued a conservatory order restraining Nairobi County and its planning committees from approving or processing any new development applications in Parklands. This injunction was sought by the Parklands Residents Association, represented by petitioners Kamalkumar Rajinkant Sanghani, Jags Kaur, and Teddy Obiero, who argued that the area's infrastructure was being overwhelmed by high-rise constructions.

The residents' association raised concerns about the county's failure to establish a legally required Physical and Land Use Planning Consultative Forum and to develop comprehensive land use plans for the area. They argued that new developments were straining water and sewer systems, destroying the area's character, and proceeding without the necessary legal frameworks.

Despite the clear court directive, the petitioners presented evidence that excavation and tree felling continued on a property along Jalaram Road, identified in one court document as L.R. No. 1870/1/320 and linked to a developer named Grandpine Company Limited. In a ruling on October 14, 2025, a three-judge bench—comprising Principal Judge Oscar Angote, Justice Anne Omollo, and Justice Charles Mbogo—found that Mosiria had willfully breached the court's orders by issuing permits for the development.

A Sudden Illness and Allegations of Forgery

During the hearing on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, which was scheduled for mitigation and sentencing, Mosiria was absent. His lawyer, Danstan Omari, told the court that his client was “shocked” by the prospect of imprisonment and had sought medical attention, resulting in a four-day sick leave. The court accepted the explanation and postponed the sentencing.

Adding another layer to the case, Mosiria's legal team is challenging the conviction on the grounds of forgery. Omari stated that his client reported an alleged forgery to the Kilimani Police Station after discovering the documents used to find him in contempt. They claim that an independent forensic expert concluded the signature on the development approval documents was not Mosiria's.

In a parallel development, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched its own probe into the forgery allegations. In a letter dated November 4, 2025, the Kilimani Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer requested the court to provide certified copies of all documents filed in the petition. The investigation is being conducted under Section 349 of the Penal Code.

Implications for Nairobi's Urban Planning

This case is emblematic of a wider struggle over the future of Nairobi's urban landscape. Resident associations in areas like Parklands, Kilimani, and Lavington have become increasingly vocal and litigious in their efforts to curb developments they argue are illegal and unsustainable. These groups contend that the county government frequently approves large-scale projects in violation of zoning laws and without adequate public participation, leading to strained infrastructure and a diminished quality of life.

Under Kenya's Contempt of Court Act, 2016, a person convicted of contempt can face a fine not exceeding KES 200,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both. The outcome of Mosiria's case is being closely watched as a potential bellwether for the accountability of public officials in upholding judicial orders related to urban planning and development. The court has scheduled a hearing for Mosiria's application on February 6, 2026, though it declined to certify the matter as urgent.