Cheluget family backs Ruto’s plan to resolve Narok land row through sale for resettlement
Nancy Kirui, one of the administrators of the estate, reaffirmed the family’s willingness to engage in lawful and structured talks with the state, noting that they want the matter concluded peacefully and with respect for legal procedures.
The family of the late Isaiah Cheluget, a former Nyanza Provincial Commissioner, has confirmed they are in talks with the government over the acquisition of land in Narok South, which is currently occupied by hundreds of people.
The family says they support the government’s plan to purchase the land for resettlement and have already made a formal offer for its sale.
Speaking to journalists in Nairobi on Saturday, former Principal Secretary Nancy Kirui, who is among the administrators of the estate, said the family welcomes the government’s intervention and hopes the long-running land dispute will be resolved through dialogue.
“We, the family of the late Isaiah Kiplangat Cheluget, the legally appointed administrators and beneficiaries of his estate, are in agreement with His Excellency the President’s statements at Sogoo, Narok South,” Kirui said.
She said they have already held several meetings with key government officials regarding the matter.
“We have held several meetings with the President’s representatives, including the Principal Secretary for Lands, the governor of Narok, and the Director of Settlements, as we work toward a lasting solution,” she said.
Offered for resettlement
According to Kirui, the disputed land—L.R. No. ILMOTIOK/CIS-MARA/54—measures 5.8 acres and was offered to the government for the purpose of resettling the people currently living there.
“Our late father had on multiple occasions sought an amicable solution with the government before his passing in 2017. We are grateful to His Excellency the President and the governor of Narok for their commitment to resolving this matter,” she said.
Kirui also addressed concerns over the estate’s administration, clarifying that the issue was settled by the High Court in Kericho. She said the court issued a confirmation of grant on June 12, 2018, officially appointing the administrators of the estate.
Following the court’s ruling, the appointed administrators are Cheluget’s widow, Raeli Chepkurgat Cheluget, along with Johnstone Kipkoech Langat, Laurence Kimutai Langat, and Kenneth Kipvegon Langat.
The family has urged the public to ignore any claims by individuals who are not recognised as part of the estate’s legal representatives.
Ruto Narok tour
The family’s statement comes after President William Ruto addressed the issue during a tour of Narok South, where he assured residents of government action.
“We have held discussions with the Cheluget (family) and we have agreed as the government that we are going to buy that land and allocate it to those people so that they can continue living there,” the President told residents at Sogoo.
He further instructed the Amalo deputy county commissioner to work with the relevant departments to resolve the matter without delay.
It is reported that around 600 people have been living on the land for more than 25 years, having moved in around 1999 and 2000, subdivided the land, and built homes.
The family says it has won multiple court cases, both in the High Court and the Court of Appeal, affirming their ownership of the land.
Kirui reaffirmed the family’s willingness to engage in lawful and structured talks with the state, noting that they want the matter concluded peacefully and with respect for legal procedures.
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