PS Korir: Talks underway to resolve Narok land dispute between Ex-PC Cheluget and occupants
Lands Principal Secretary Nixon Korir emphasized that structured talks are ongoing, with the government planning to purchase the land.
The Ministry of Lands has confirmed that negotiations are currently underway to settle the long-standing land dispute in Narok County involving the family of the late ex-Nyanza Provincial Commissioner Isaiah Cheluget and the current land occupants.
In response to claims by some media outlets, which he described as "misleading and sensational," Lands Principal Secretary Nixon Korir emphasized that structured talks are ongoing, with the government planning to purchase the land.
"Yes, we are aware that Mr. Cheluget has passed away, and this is well-known publicly. We’ve held multiple meetings with the family, led by former PS Nancy Kirui Cheluget and her siblings," Korir stated.
"They are in agreement with the President's position, although some individuals are trying to create a negative narrative."
Korir's comments followed reports suggesting that President William Ruto had allegedly misled the residents about the situation.
During his address to the residents of Sogoo in Narok, President Ruto acknowledged the difficulties faced by the land occupants, including the threat of eviction.
He revealed that the government plans to acquire the land from the Cheluget family to allow the current residents to remain on the 5,800-acre property permanently.
"We have been in talks with the Cheluget family, and we’ve reached an agreement as a government to purchase the land and allocate it to the residents so that they can continue living there," the President stated.
President Ruto has instructed the newly appointed Amalo Deputy County Commissioner to coordinate with the appropriate departments and ensure the matter is resolved without delay.
Approximately 600 individuals have occupied the land for over 15 years.
The group is believed to have forcefully entered the land between 1999 and 2000, divided it, and began constructing buildings.
This led to a series of legal battles in both the High Court and the Court of Appeal, all of which have been decided in favor of the family.
Cheluget, a former influential Provincial Commissioner from Nyanza, passed away on June 26, 2017.
It is reported that he was allocated the land in 1997.
Korir emphasized that the government is fully committed to addressing historical land injustices in Narok with a lasting and peaceful resolution.
He explained that the President’s comments during his visit were intended to reaffirm the government's dedication to finding a solution that upholds the rights of all parties involved.