A section of the family of the late former Provincial Commissioner Isaiah Cheluget has distanced itself from individuals claiming to represent the entire family in ongoing talks with the government over a 5,800-acre land parcel located in Narok South.
The matter gained national attention after President William Ruto recently revealed that discussions were underway regarding the possible government acquisition of the land, with the intention of resettling people currently occupying it.
Speaking during his tour in Sogoo, Narok South, the President indicated that talks with the family were ongoing: “We have engaged the Cheluget family regarding the government’s plan to buy the land and settle the people there,” he said.
In a press briefing held in Nairobi, Ambassador Nancy Kirui — accompanied by individuals she identified as administrators and family members of the late Cheluget — confirmed that discussions with the government were in progress.
“As the President stated, we are in engagement with the government. We have made an offer to sell the land so that the issue of the squatters can be resolved,” said Ms. Kirui, who previously served as Kenya’s ambassador to the United Kingdom and later as Principal Secretary for Defence and Foreign Affairs.
The ownership of the expansive land has been the subject of legal and family disputes for years. President Ruto’s remarks have brought the matter back into the spotlight, especially with his mention of talks to resettle approximately 13,500 people, including Mau evictees, on the land.
The President’s statement sparked conversations, particularly after he said that he had “summoned Mr. Cheluget and discussed the matter,” despite the fact that Mr. Cheluget passed away in 2017 after a short illness.
“Our father had, during his lifetime, expressed interest in resolving the matter through dialogue with the government. Unfortunately, he passed away before a solution could be reached,” Ambassador Kirui said.
The land has been at the center of legal battles for over 15 years, during which the family has won several court cases against illegal settlers. However, efforts to reclaim the land have faced resistance.
“We are grateful to the President and the Narok Governor for their commitment to finding a peaceful and lasting resolution,” Kirui added.
In contrast, another family member, Moses Cheluget, voiced a different opinion on the matter. He questioned the legitimacy of the ongoing talks, stating that the process of land succession is still pending in court.
“As a family, we are not aware of who is representing us in these negotiations, as the succession matter is yet to be concluded,” he said.
The land issue remains unresolved, with different voices from within the Cheluget family raising concerns about representation and next steps.
