Drama in court as former MP, lawyer face off in a Sh30 million property case in Eldoret

There was drama at the Eldoret Lands and Environment Court when a former MP, Joseph Lagat, refused, on several occasions, to answer questions during a heated cross-examination.

Lagat was apparently upset by the number of questions lawyer Charles Nyamweya asked him during cross-examination.

The drama unfolded during a case where he is battling with an Eldoret Real estate developer, Duncan Kitur, over ownership of a Sh30 million prime parcel of land in Uasin Gishu County.

Kitur has sued Lagat for frustrating his efforts to take over his property, which is under-utilised due to a legal battle pitting him and the former lawmaker.

The disputed property is located in the Chepkanga area along the busy Eldoret-Iten highway.

Kitur has taken issue with Lagat for ploughing the disputed land despite a court order barring him from undertaking any activities on the property until the matter pending before the court is heard and determined.

The orders were issued by the then Environment and Lands Court Judge Millicent Odeny on March 14, 2018.

It stated in part: “In the meantime, the status quo to be maintained for the plaintiff/applicant to remain in possession and no felling of trees or construction of any kind before the hearing date.

It took the intervention of Presiding Judge Charles Yano to ask the former Eldoret East MP to answer yes or no to questions he was being asked to save time and, besides, help expedite the matter.

“Mr Lagat, just answer yes or no when being asked by the senior counsel questions to help us save on time,” quipped the Judge.

Lagat, who was on the witness stand, admitted that he had the property despite not seeking approval from the Land Control Board in Moiben Sub County.

He further told the Judge that he entered into a sale agreement with Duncan Kitur and paid more than Sh4 million, as he dismissed claims by the real estate developer that he still owes him Sh3 million.

“In fact, I have been paying Kitur in phases until I cleared all the amount owed to him before taking possession of the property located in Chepkanga area along the Eldoret –Iten highway,” added Lagat, who lawyer Henry Kenei represents.

Kitur has accused the former lawmaker of blocking him from accessing his property, and yet he had refused to clear the balance of over Sh3 million.

According to Kitur, he still holds the title deed for the disputed property in his name, which has been at the centre of a long-standing legal battle for over five years.

The former MP was stood down after he had finished his evidence regarding the disputed property.

However, the court has issued summons to his wife, Sarah Lagat, to present herself in person to be cross-examined in regard to the land matter.

The case will come up for further hearing on November 3, 2026.