Former Eldoret East Member of Parliament, Joseph Lagat, is facing potential jail time after being accused of repeatedly disobeying a court order relating to a contested piece of land valued at KSh 30 million. Real estate developer Duncan Kitur has filed a formal application seeking to have the former MP committed to a six-month jail term for contempt of court.
Kitur argues that Lagat has defied a court directive for the fourth consecutive time, despite clear instructions barring any interference with the disputed property.
The court order, issued seven years ago by then-Lands and Environment Court Judge Millicent Odeny, instructed that the status quo be maintained. Specifically, it directed that Kitur remain in possession of the land and that no felling of trees or construction take place until the matter is fully heard and determined.
Kitur expressed shock upon visiting the land, situated in the Chepkanga area approximately 10 kilometres from Eldoret City, only to find that Lagat was actively utilising it in violation of the court order.
“Why is the MP ignoring the court order for the fourth consecutive time, yet it was clear on this matter? This is a sign of disrespect to our courts, and such impunity should be stopped,” Kitur stated.
The origins of the dispute lie in a court case filed by Kitur, in which he accuses Lagat of grabbing the land. Lagat, however, maintains that he is the rightful owner, claiming to have occupied the land for more than 20 years. He says he was in the process of formalising his ownership documents when the legal case began four years ago.
“I have been in possession of this land for over 10 years and I was in the process of acquiring ownership documents before this court case cropped up,” Lagat asserted.
On his part, Kitur contends that he holds a valid title deed for the land and alleges that Lagat wrongfully evicted him despite lacking any legal documents of ownership.
“I am the legal owner of the land and I have a title deed to prove my case. If he believes he is the owner, let him produce his own land documents,” Kitur said.
The matter is set to be mentioned before Justice Charles Yano of the Lands and Environment Court in Eldoret on 17 September. Observers say the outcome could have far-reaching implications, particularly for public figures who flout legal orders.
