Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto's land dispute with a farmer escalates

Governor Isaac Ruto

A land row between Governor Isaac Ruto and a farmer has escalated after a court lifted orders barring the county boss from cultivating it.

The farmer, Justus Kigen, told Nakuru Land Court judge Sila Munyao that the governor had threatened him. The court certified the case as urgent.

Through lawyers Ham Lagat and Kiprono Matagei, Mr Kigen claimed the threats are criminal in nature and that reports have been made at Kileleshwa Police Station in Narobi.

“The first respondent has expressively threatened the applicant and this has a direct bearing on the ruling on May 11,” argued Mr Lagat.

On Wednesday last week, Governor Ruto got a reprieve after the court lifted orders barring him from cultivating the Sh30 million leased land. Land and Environment Court judge Sila Munyao also struck out the suit over technicalities. Kigen filed another suit on the day of the ruling, which he withdrew on Friday. However, he filed another one, claiming there were new developments.

INVADED PORTION

According to Kigen, Ruto has said he would continue to cultivate the land. Ruto had last month been stopped by the court from cultivating the 77 acres in Trans Mara, Narok.

This is after Kigen, who has leased 38 acres on the same land, claimed Ruto had trespassed and invaded his portion. He alleged Ruto attacked his workers, claiming he owned the land. The businessman filed a petition arguing the governor had forcefully entered his land.

Justice Munyao, however, declined to issue interim orders to restrain the governor from cultivating the land as Kigen sought. “Let the respondent enjoy the task of cultivating and tilling. I will not issue orders unless I have heard from him and become privy to the current status,” said Munyao.

The judge ordered the governor be served with court papers and set a hearing for May 19.