National Land Commission (NLC) Chairperson Muhammad Swazuri was on Wednesday relieved of his duties at the commission's leadership.
Swazuri, who was arrested and arraigned in court in connection with corruption claims was replaced by his Vice Chairperson Abigael Mukolwe on an acting capacity.
Further changes at the commission as outlined in a statement to newsrooms outlined that Prof. David Kuria, who was in a director's position, would become the new acting CEO.
On an acting capacity as well, Bernard Cherutich was appointed to the position of Director of Finance and Administration.
[caption caption="Muhammad Swazuri (C) and Kenya Railways Cooperation (KRC) Managing Director Atanas Maina when they were arraigned in court "]
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Joash Oindo was also appointed to the acting position of Director Valuation and Taxation in the move that is aimed at ensuring smooth operations at the commission amid the investigations into the corruption cases at the government body.
The appointments were announced to take effect immediately.
Swazuri was among 17 others who were charged with illegally facilitating the payment of Ksh221.3 million in compensation for the acquisition of land for the Standard Gauge Railway.
They were accused of having conspired to defraud the taxpayer on five parcels of land which were listed as railway reserves.
Appearing before Magistrate Lawrence Mugambi of the Anti-Corruption Court in Milimani, they all denied the accusations and were released on four conditions including a bail amount.
The magistrate further barred Swazuri from office further necessitating the changes at the commission.
[caption caption="Muhammad Swazuri who has been replaced as NLC Chairperson"]
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