National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei is facing allegations of interfering in a legal battle over a 37-acre piece of land worth Sh100 million in Uasin Gishu County as reported by Nation Africa.
The land, located in the Kaptagat settlement scheme in Ainabkoi, is at the center of a heated dispute between two families.
Abraham Chebii, a senior driver with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), claims the land belongs to him through inheritance from his late father, Paul Cherono.
On the other hand, the family of the late Philip Cheruiyot Tumbes, represented by Cledy Kiprono Cheruiyot, insists the property belongs to their deceased patriarch.
In court, Mr. Chebii testified that pursuing the case has placed his life in danger.
He accused Ms. Shollei of threatening him to withdraw the case or face unspecified consequences.
According to Mr. Chebii, Ms. Shollei, despite not being a direct party to the dispute, has inserted herself into the matter and tried to influence its outcome.
This has raised questions about her motives and the nature of her interest in the disputed land.
The disagreement revolves around the history of the property. Mr. Chebii asserts that his father leased the land to the Tumbes family more than 60 years ago.
He dismissed claims that his father was childless, stating that Paul Cherono had two children, himself and his sister.
He presented documentary evidence in court to back his inheritance claim, seeking to establish his legal ownership.
On their part, the Tumbes family argues that the land was acquired by their father in 1965 and registered as plot number 173 under the name Paul Philip Cherono.
They maintain that they possess the original title deeds and have lived on the property for decades.
Mr. Cheruiyot challenged Mr. Chebii to produce equivalent proof, emphasizing that their parents lived and were buried on the disputed land.
The Eldoret High Court, presided over by Justice Robert Wananda, is set to hear further testimonies on March 10, 2025.
Witnesses, including the registrar of persons, are expected to help unravel the conflicting claims and determine the rightful ownership of the property.
The case has sparked widespread interest due to Ms. Shollei’s alleged involvement. Her actions have raised concerns about external influence and misuse of power in legal disputes.
If the claims against her are substantiated, it would tarnish her reputation further, casting doubt on her integrity as a public servant.
This situation not only complicates the legal process but also highlights the persistent challenges of land disputes in the region and the potential exploitation of such issues by influential individuals.
