Feud Between Prominent Political Families

A legal battle over the ownership of a valuable property worth Shs. 200 million has ignited a feud between two prominent political families in Uasin Gishu County. The dispute centers on two parcels of land in Moiben sub-County, spanning 50.3 hectares, and involves the families of the late Nicholas Biwott, a Kanu era Cabinet Minister, and the late Abraham Kiptanui, a former State House Comptroller.

The plaintiff in the lawsuit is Mr. Wilson Arap Maina, the younger brother of the late Kiptanui, who has taken action against a company linked to Biwott’s widow, Nominated Senator of Kenya Margaret Kamar, and her daughter Maria Soti. Maina’s company, Kobilo Farm Limited, had entered into a sale agreement with Prof. Kamar and Soti 6 years ago for the purchase of the said property.

According to Maina, he fulfilled his end of the agreement by paying Sh194 million, with the remaining Sh6 million supposed to be paid upon the transfer of the property to his company. However, he alleges that the defendants failed to transfer the property to him, depriving him of access and utilization of the land.

Maina further claims that the defendants withheld crucial documents such as the original title deed, KRA PIN, clearance certificate, and valid rates, impeding his ability to utilize the property. He was also surprised to discover that Prof. Kamar had used the disputed property as collateral for a Sh22 million loan from the Commodities Fund, which remains unpaid.

However, Prof. Kamar refutes Maina’s allegations, stating that he failed to pay the remaining balance as per the agreement. She asserts that she remains the legal owner of the property and has not transferred it to Maina. She acknowledges receiving partial payment from Maina but states her decision not to proceed with the sale due to Maina’s breach of contract.

Similarly, Ms. Soti denies Maina’s claims that trees on the property were included in the sale agreement. The rift between the two families has strained their once-close ties, with attempts at mediation proving unsuccessful.

The case, which has garnered significant attention, is now awaiting judgment from Justice Elijah Obaga of the Land and Environment court. Both parties have completed their submissions, and the decision is eagerly anticipated, with the verdict scheduled for March 14th.