The family of the late Cabinet Minister Mbiu Koinange continues to grapple with challenges in occupying the controversial 4,296-acre Muthera Farm in Mau Narok, despite a 2020 court ruling that settled a two-decade-long succession dispute in their favor.
Since the ruling, the family has faced violent opposition from a group claiming ownership of the land. The group, which includes individuals the Koinange family identifies as former workers, has repeatedly thwarted attempts by the family to take possession of the prime property.
The most recent confrontation occurred yesterday when the Koinange family attempted to hold a meeting on the farm. The gathering was disrupted by the group, led by the family of the late land rights activist Moses Ole Mpoe, who threatened violence. Police intervened, calling off the meeting to ensure the safety of all parties and to allow for proper security arrangements before the family could enter the land.
The Mpoe family, who had mobilized in large numbers, confronted the Koinange family’s representatives, including managers appointed to oversee the farm. Francis Mwangi, one of the managers, expressed frustration over the ongoing violence, noting that the Mpoe family, whom he described as former employees of the Koinange family, had refused to vacate the land, fearing the loss of benefits from leasing it.
Mwangi revealed that the farm could generate up to KSh 60 million annually from leasing, a sum he claimed was being used to fund the resistance against the Koinange family.
Samson Konene ole Nkuruna, another farm manager, stated that he had managed the land in the past but stepped aside following the court’s decision in favor of the Koinange family. He accused the opposing group of forging ownership documents to legitimize their claim and obstruct the Koinange family’s efforts to reclaim the land.
Nkuruna called on the police to protect the rightful owners and ensure peaceful occupation of the farm.
Sedrick Mbiyu Koinange, a grandchild of the late Mbiu Koinange, reiterated the family’s legitimate ownership of Muthera Farm, asserting that they would not tolerate any further attempts to invade the property. He acknowledged a previous technicality in the land’s registration but confirmed that the issue had been resolved, with the Title Deed now correctly reflecting their ownership.
On the other hand, the Mpoe family remains resolute in their claim to the land, which they assert was acquired by their late patriarch Kikenyi Mpoe in the 1930s. Joseph Mpoe, son of the late activist Moses Ole Mpoe, accused the late Mr. Koinange of using his position as Interior Cabinet Minister to seize the land unlawfully.
Joseph Mpoe, who survived a 2016 shooting that claimed the life of his brother, Moses, vowed to defend their claim to the land, despite the loss of several family members in the ongoing struggle.
Documents reviewed by the media confirm that the Family Division at Milimani issued a decree on July 3, 2024, affirming that the land, LR No 8669/3 Mau Narok (Muthera Farm), is part of the late Mbiu Koinange’s estate.
Mau Narok Assistant County Commissioner Fredrick Mwendwa acknowledged that the farm has been a source of significant conflict, posing a security threat in the area. He assured that security agencies are investigating those responsible for the violence and will take legal action as necessary.
“There are people who have been associating the land with the Presidency, but I want to make it clear that the land belongs to the Koinange family, and the President has nothing to do with it,” said Mr. Mwendwa.
Rights activist James Mugo has called on Inspector General of Police David Kanja to intervene and expedite the eviction of the illegal occupants from the disputed land.
