Ruto land grabbing case to proceed

Written By:Dzuya Walter,    Posted: Mon, Mar 19, 2012

Eldoret North MP William Ruto addresses a past news conference (FILE) A case in which Eldoret North MP William Ruto is accused of allegedly grabbing 100-acre land from an IDP Gilbert Muteshi during the post-election violence will go on. This is after Ruto and his accuser, failed to agree on outstanding issues despite an earlier out of court agreement. Ruto had earlier this month agreed to give up the land situated in Eldoret but declined Muteshi's demand for compensation, as well as bearing the cost of the suit. Muteshi had also sought for cancellation of the titles that are in Ruto's possession. Anthony Lubulellah, representing Muteshi, told the Court that the two were unable to agree on the issue of title deed, compensation and costs. The lawyer requested Lady Justice Rose Ougo to allocate two hearing dates so that the court could try the unresolved issues. The case will proceed for hearing on April 25 and 26. Muteshi filed the suit in 2010, two years after he fled for safety as violence hit the Rift Valley and other parts of Kenya after the 2007 elections. After the violence, he returned to the farm, but found that Ruto had occupied the land. Meanwhile Pastor Paul Nganga Wanjiru and James Mutunga pleaded not guilty to charges of murder before Justice Nicholas Ombija. Ng'ang'a is alleged to have killed his girlfriend Caroline Chanjirah on 9th March 2012 along Ngong road near Lenana school. The case will be heard on the 3rd and 4th of October 2012.