Subdivision of disputed Angata Barikoi Moyoi land remains suspended

The subdivision of the 6,000 acres of the controversial Angata Barikkoi/Moyoi land in Trans Mara, Narok County, remains suspended following resistance from locals over the size they should get.

Tom Chepkwes, the land registrar for the area, reported that the government is consulting with local communities, led by elders and other stakeholders, to seek an amicable solution.

Speaking to The Standard yesterday, Chepkwes criticised those spreading rumours about the government's intentions to proceed with the demarcation exercise, stating that such rumours incite residents against the government.

“I urge those spreading rumours to stop inciting the communities living there. Consultation is ongoing and will yield positive results. The suspension of the exercise remains in place, and we are documenting the concerns of the affected communities while pursuing all available administrative avenues to ensure lawful land rights are respected,” Chepkwes emphasised.

Rumours had circulated that the government planned to demarcate the disputed land today, leading to opposition from the Kipsigis community.

They resisted any attempts by the government to allocate them 1,500 acres, insisting that they are entitled to the entire parcel that former President Moi allocated to them in 2002, for which they hold valid title deeds.

Area MP Julius Sunkuli has called for an immediate suspension of the planned demarcation following violent clashes last month that resulted in five deaths and numerous injuries.

According to Sunkuli, the government must respect constitutional land ownership rights and refrain from interfering with titled land. “The people of Angata have jealously guarded their land for generations. It cannot simply be taken away,” he stated.

Sunkuli explained that the land in question comprises a 6,000-acre parcel known as Angata Barikkoi/Moyoi, which has been the subject of a long-standing dispute between two communities.

“This dispute has persisted for years but was finally nearing a peaceful resolution outside of court,” he noted.

It had been mutually agreed that the Maasai would receive 1,500 acres, and the Kipsigis would also be allocated 1,500 acres. The remaining 3,000 acres of land were accepted by both parties and not contested.

Tensions escalated when government surveyors allegedly attempted to delineate the Kipsigis' 1,500-acre allocation from land that already has registered title deeds.

This land is claimed by 448 families who have been farming there for decades, holding genuine title deeds since 2002, which they received under former President Daniel Arap Moi.

Panic spread among families when surveyors from the Ministry of Lands, land adjudication officers, and the Land Registrar from Kilgoris arrived in the area and erected beacons, despite an existing court order issued by Judge Cyprian Waswa of the Kilgoris Environment and Land Court.

Justice Waswa prohibited the government from interfering with the land until a petition filed by Samuel Kipkoros Cheruiyot and Philip Sigei, on behalf of the families, is heard and determined.

“The 448 plaintiffs in the suit shall remain in occupation of their parcels and shall not lease, subdivide, or part with possession of the suit property,” the judge stated.

According to Practice Direction No. 28(K) of Gazette Notice No. 5178/2014, pending the hearing of the applicant's request dated November 25, 2024, an order to maintain the status quo has been issued.

This means that the registered owners shall remain so in the records and shall not subdivide or transfer the suit property, Trans Mara/Moyoi/2, to third parties.

The status quo orders are not intended to evict any party already in occupation and are not meant to facilitate the invasion of the suit property by third parties at the request of the plaintiffs or any other parties.