Residents of the Olopito area in Narok Central sub-county have appealed to the Ministry of Lands to urgently intervene in a long-running land dispute, accusing a private developer of laying claim to their property and subjecting them to intimidation despite multiple court rulings in their favor.
Addressing the media today, the affected landowners said that the land in question, each measuring 100 by 100 feet, has been a source of anxiety even after the courts allowed them to retain the ownership in rulings delivered in 2000 and 2024 at the Nakuru Law Court and Narok Law Courts, respectively.
“We have explored all legal avenues to ensure that each owner retains their 100 by 100 feet piece of land, but unfortunately the issue is still giving us sleepless nights after the developer’s relentless effort to kick us out,” said one landowner, Ms. Leah Mbugua, who has been residing there since 1992.
The owners said that the battle began when a separate entity emerged, laying claim to the same piece of land. This created a land ownership dispute. While the courts upheld the residents’ claim, they say the developer has continued attempts to evict them by allegedly using hired youths to harass and threaten them.
” Despite all the efforts, we are unable to comfortably live in our pieces of land, as the developer now targets us using the hired youths who threaten our lives,” said Ms. Mbugua.
She further says that the renewed intimidation has erased the relief they felt after the court decision to retain ownership of the pieces of land they own, adding that the developer is determined to frustrate them into vacating the property.
Her neighbor, John Mwaura, shared similar sentiments, saying that the alleged harassment has forced him to move out of his home for fear of his life.
” I am no longer at peace with staying in my own homestead. The rogue youths are at my door at any time of the day or night, and this has forced me to move out,” Mwaura said.
He urged the ministry of lands to step in and help find a permanent solution to this problem that is giving them sleepless nights.
His wife, Ms. Jane Nyokabi, also expressed fear for her safety even as the residents possessed valid documents to the land.
“We will not relent on this matter until the developer is dealt with in accordance with the law to allow us to peacefully live in our homesteads. The developer is aware that we are the rightful owners of the piece of property in question, having all the documentation, but is out to intimidate us,” noted Nyokabi.
Simon Salaton, who also bought his piece of land 36 years ago, called for respect for the rule of law and action to be taken against anyone undermining the court’s decision.
Additionally, he warned that failure to resolve this matter on time could fuel unnecessary tension in the area and thus pleaded with the authorities in charge to ensure that the court rulings are enforced.
By Emily Kadzo
