An Eldoret court has summoned the Principal Registrar of Persons from Nairobi to testify in a land ownership dispute worth Ksh.100 million involving a senior driver at the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and a local family.
The case revolves around 37 acres of prime agricultural land located in Kaptagat, Uasin Gishu County, which is being claimed by Abraham Chebii, the JSC driver.
Chebii claims he inherited the land from his late father, Paul Cherono, and says he has documents to prove his legal right to the property.
He also told the court that his father had two children him and his sister—before separating from their mother Esther Chebet more than 40 years ago.
“This land was leased to the late Philip Cheruiyot over 60 years ago. My father still owned it but had other properties in Elgeyo Marakwet,” Chebii testified.
However, the family of Philip Cheruiyot, now deceased, strongly disputes Chebii’s claim. Through his eldest son, Cledy Kiprono, they argue that Chebii is a stranger and that the land was legitimately inherited from their father.
“He lives in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet, and should stay there,” Kiprono told the court.
To help resolve the dispute, Justice Robert Wananda ordered the Principal Registrar of Persons to appear in person—or send a representative—to verify Chebii’s birth and parental documents. The information is expected to help establish whether Paul Cherono was indeed Chebii’s father.
The case has been ongoing for years without a clear resolution. The next court mention is scheduled for October 1, 2025.
