The family of the former Provincial Commissioner Isaiah Cheluget has threatened legal action to stop any transaction on its disputed land in Narok South after President William Ruto claimed he spoke to their late father regarding the purchase of the 5,800 acres.
On Thursday, President Ruto elicited a heated debate after he alleged that he had held talks with the former Nyanza PC, who died in 2017, on the land purchase.
The former PC's son Moses Kipkirui Cheluget said he will move to court to stop any interference with the property.
Kipkirui said his family was yet to get any official communications on the alleged agreement and wondered who the president spoke to.
"When the president came here on Tuesday, he alleged that he had spoken with my father, who died seven years ago. We don't know who the president is negotiating with. As far as we are concerned, we have not received any communication," Kipkirui said.
Kipkirui asked Ruto to ensure he is engaging with the right individuals before proceeding with any payments for the land.
The Cheluget family has been embroiled in succession disputes over the land, with Kipkirui revealing that they are yet to appoint an official administrator for the property.
To settle the matter, Kipkirui stated that he would be moving to court to stop any further agreements on the alleged purchase until they agree on the official signatory before the government can officially purchase the land.
"I will move to court within the next seven days to halt any payments on this land until we, as a family, determine the official signatory. The designated signatory will be responsible for all land-related matters, including the purchase," he said.
President Ruto’s remarks, made during a development tour in Narok, have sparked heated debate, with critics questioning the statement's validity.
Lands Principal Secretary Nixon Korir on Thursday confirmed that talks are underway to resolve the long-running dispute involving the family and current occupants.
“Yes, we know Mr Cheluget died, and it’s public knowledge. We’ve had several meetings with the family led by former PS Nancy Kirui Cheluget and her brothers,” Korir said.
The land in question has been at the centre of legal battles, with squatters occupying parts of it for years.
Cheluget's son has directed the squatters to remain on the land until the matter is resolved in court, a signatory is found, and the President makes payments for the next course of action.
