Rift Valley Regional Commissioner on the spot over Njoro heated land dispute

Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan during a peace meeting at Kiango at the border of Kisii and Narok Counties. (Sammy Omingo, Standard) The Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan has been put on the spot over alleged interference by the Administration police on the ownership of a 2600-acre farm in Njoro. In a letter addressed to the regional boss, Mosem Enterprise members, through their Lawyer David Mongeri, accused Hassan of interfering with their peaceful possession of the Ngongongeri farm. They claim that the administrator has been using police officers to intimidate the over 300 members to surrender the land to alleged cartels. In the letter, the group states that police have not only arrested them but allegedly shot one of them in May 2024. The shooting of Leonard Kipkemoi who was within the farm caused panic. The Standard published the same. To date, no one has been arrested or charged. "Mosem Enterprises is an inhabitant in the parcel of land. They have always tilled and developed the said property," read the letter dated April 24, 2025. The letter notes that there is a case in court, where the group fights Egerton University and its professor for the land. Another case is filed by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the university, against the group and other parties. In the court case, Mongeri noted that on December 16, 2024, Judge Anthony Ombwayo issued an order for the status quo to be maintained on the land. "For avoidance of confusion, the status quo be maintained. No person to enter the land, or evict the person in possession until the land dispute is determined," read the order seen by The Standard. The confusion, the court noted, was brought about by a previous status quo order which both parties maintained was in their own favour. According to Mosem, the land was in its possession when the first order was issued. The letter addresses the alleged fact that imposters are using dubious means in an attempt to trespass into the land and claim possession illegally. The group maintains that they are peaceful and their only desire is that the court orders be honoured and obeyed as it should be. "It is our pre-emptory advice, that you desist from interfering with the peaceful occupation of our client pursuant to the court orders," deposed the letter. The group further urged the RC to ensure appropriate security measures are in place to enhance their peaceful possession and occupation. "In default, the group intends to commence appropriate legal proceedings in the court against yourself (Hassan), without any further reference to you and to your own risk as to costs incidental thereto," deposed Mongeri. The land is at the centre of a legal dispute between members of the Enterprise, Egerton University, and a professor over its ownership. The families have accused the police of taking sides in matters which are in court. According to Chemoiywo Chepkwela, 80, a court order was issued in favour of the families but the police have ignored it. Njoro Sub County Police Commander told The Standard that the status quo meant that no one should be seen on the land. He said that on April 9, the police arrested two members of Mosem who were allegedly grazing on the land, despite the court orders. We reached out to Hassan for comments on Saturday, April 27. He did not reply to our calls and messages.

Rift Valley Regional Commissioner on the spot over Njoro heated land dispute

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Rift Valley Regional Commissioner on the spot over Njoro heated land dispute

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