Land Dispute in Eldoret Sparks Fear and Controversy as the Farmers' Society Chairman Fears For His Life

A land ownership dispute in Eldoret, Kenya, has ignited a firestorm of controversy and safety concerns. At the heart of the issue is Wilson Too Chepsilonge, chairman of the Leseru-Tebeson Farmers Society, who finds himself targeted after a public accusation by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary of Defence, Aden Duale.

Duale publicly accused Chepsilonge’s society of encroaching on a massive 3,500-acre parcel of land designated for military training. Chepsilonge, however, strongly refutes the claim. He insists his society has legal ownership of their land, substantiated by proper documentation and full payment of dues. Crucially, Chepsilonge emphasizes their land is distinct from the military base, negating any possibility of overlap.

The situation has spiraled into a frightening ordeal for Chepsilonge. He has reported being followed by unidentified individuals, raising fears for his safety. Even more disturbing, Chepsilonge alleges a previous kidnapping of his grandson, adding a sinister element to the unfolding events.

Human rights groups, including the Centre Against Torture (CAT), have vehemently condemned the situation. They believe Duale’s public pronouncements against Chepsilonge have created a volatile atmosphere, potentially inciting violence. Kimutai Kirui, CEO of CAT, has urged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to launch a full investigation into the matter.

The land dispute lays bare a persistent challenge in Kenya: the complex and often contentious issue of land ownership. Unclear at this point is whether this is a genuine misunderstanding or a calculated attempt to seize land.

The involvement of human rights activists suggests a potential violation of Chepsilonge’s rights, while the request for an EACC investigation injects a layer of suspicion about possible corruption. As the investigation unfolds, Kenyans wait anxiously to see how this land dispute will be resolved.