Govt promises title deeds to 13,000 squatters living on late Isaiah Cheluget’s land
Some 13,000 squatters living on the late former Rift Valley Provincial Commissioner Isaiah Cheluget’s 5,800-acre land in Narok South are set to receive title deeds following a government intervention to resolve a decades-old land dispute. The announcement has offered relief to families who have lived on the land in Sogoo and Sagamian for nearly 50 […]
A government pledge to bestow title deeds upon 13,000 squatters residing on the late former Rift Valley Provincial Commissioner Isaiah Cheluget's 5,800-acre property in Narok South has brought relief to families who have occupied the land for nearly 50 years, fearing eviction. The announcement was made by Lands Ministry Principal Secretary Nixon Korir on Thursday, August 20, 2026, as he clarified that the government had withdrawn the protracted court case and lifted restrictions that had obstructed locals from utilizing the land freely.
Korir urged residents to engage in economic activities and obtain loans to build businesses, stating that there was no longer a caveat. Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu confirmed that land surveying had been completed and that the next step involved granting title deeds to residents. These titles would also benefit public institutions situated on portions of the disputed land, such as schools and healthcare facilities.
Cheluget's son, Julius Lang'at, revealed that the family had reached an agreement with authorities to withdraw an eviction case filed in Nairobi, and the titles had already been issued. The land dispute had endured for decades, leaving residents uncertain about their ownership rights. President William Ruto's intervention, urging the Cheluget family to accept compensation, has reignited discussions about the matter.
Narok South MP Kitilai Ole Ntutu and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot both praised the President's role in resolving the stalemate and commended the residents for their persistent advocacy. The government has also committed to addressing other long-standing land disputes in the region, including the Angata Barikoi issue and the eviction of families from the Maasai Mau Forest, for whom compensation has yet to be granted.
Water Ministry Secretary Julius Korir pledged that authorities would collaborate with the county government to ensure affected residents gain access to national government services, including national identification documents. The latest development reflects ongoing efforts by the government to resolve historical land disputes affecting communities in the Rift Valley.
Residents expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating that it would resolve years of uncertainty over their homes and farms.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
