A group of elderly women staged a protest at the Lands office in Eldoret town, threatening to strip naked, over a dispute concerning a land.
Some of the women, aged over 85, demanded an audience with senior officials regarding three plots they claim belong to them, valued at approximately Sh20 million.
The women, members of a cooperative society, presented a title for the land, which they claim has been in their possession since 1989.
According to them, the plots were initially owned by their husbands.
The title lists three members as trustees on behalf of the group. It was issued on September 28, 2018.
Chairperson Elizabeth Sang stated that the group was recently surprised when individuals who purchased land nearby appeared to have encroached on their plots.
“We asked them why they encroached on our land, and they said we were illiterate and could not challenge them,” Sang claimed.
She added that surveyors from the Ministry of Lands had visited the area and erected new beacons, disregarding those that had long been in place.
When called for a comment, Lands Registrar in Uasin Gishu, Alice Gesemba, told the Star that the matter would be addressed according to established procedures and office protocols.
She did not provide further details.
According to the women, they approached the land court to stop the fresh survey, but were later informed that a judgment had been issued online without their participation.
“To our surprise, we were told the case had proceeded online and a judgment was made against us,” said Sang, noting that the situation had caused significant distress among the elderly members.
Eighty-three-year-old Veronica Koros said the plots, which include buildings, have provided them with income for years.
“Most of us are widows. We will continue to fight for what is rightfully ours,” she said.
Another member, Trufena Sammy, raised concerns about the conduct of some officials, saying they were not able to access senior staff at the Lands office during the protest.
After waiting more than two hours, the women left, vowing to return if their concerns were not addressed. Sang also said the group plans to demonstrate at President William Ruto’s residence to seek his attention on the matter.
“The president is our only hope now because we have exhausted other avenues,” she said.
The group has requested that Chief Justice Martha Koome review how their case was handled on the virtual platform, which they say posed challenges for them.
“We believe the online platform limits access for the elderly, affecting their ability to defend their rights,” Sang said.
