Elders vow to block sale and subdivision of farms associated with Moi

Elders from Kalenjin, Maasai, Turkana and Samburu have vowed to block the sale and subdivision of two multi-million-shilling farms associated with former President Daniel arap Moi.

The properties are the 5,000-acre Deloraine Farm in Salgaa, some 36km from Nakuru town, and the more than 3,000-acre Technology Farm on the outskirts of Nakuru town.

Apart from Mr Moi, other prominent trustee of the farms are former Cabinet Minister Julius ole Sunkuli, former Nakuru resident magistrate Haron Bomet, Brigadier (Rtd) Wilson Boinet, senior chief Michael Arusei and the late Dr Ezekiel Kipkorir.

The four ethnic groups are collectively known as the Kamatusa. The secretary of group’s Nakuru branch, Mr David Sambai, said Deloraine Farm was purchased through the Rift Valley Development Trust for Sh7.5 million.

“These two farms belong to the residents of Rift Valley who formed 13 districts in the Rift Valley Province,” he said.

Mr Sambai urged Baringo Senator Gideon Moi to stop any further transaction.

Mr James Cheruiyot, the chairman of Kamatusa in Nakuru, said that some trustees were planning to sell the land without reference to other shareholders.

“We are privy to information that a few individuals want to grab the land and plan to sell some 2,000 acres,” said Mr Cheruiyot.

“We want part of the Deloraine Farm to be set aside for the construction of an agriculture based university. The region is best known for agriculture and this will boost the dwindling food production,” said Mr Cheruiyot.

The official said that some foreigners were eyeing the farm and had started secret negotiations with the some of the trustees on how to lease it to them.

However, the farm's manager, Mr Nixon Kosgey, speaking to the Nation denied that the two farms were due to be sold to private developers.

“Something was discussed by the board but it has not been concluded. Once it is done, the shareholders will be notified,” said Mr Kosgey.