Opinion: Why President Ruto Must Surrender 5,000-acre Ndabibi Farm – Dr. Isaac Newton Kinity
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Dr. Isaac Newton Kinity is a Kenyan activist and advocate for human rights and social justice.
The controversy surrounding the 5,000-acre Ndabibi farm is a glaring reminder of historical injustices that continue to plague Kenya.
The parallels between this case and the 100-acre farm of the late Adrian Mutesi, which President William Ruto was forced to relinquish in 2013, cannot be ignored.
In both instances, dubious land transactions and the exploitation of power have undermined the rights of rightful landowners.
In 2013, the High Court compelled William Ruto to surrender the 100-acre piece of land he had acquired in questionable circumstances from Adrian Mutesi.
Despite Ruto’s claim that he had purchased the land, evidence showed no legitimate ownership or credible documentation.
Justice prevailed, albeit after a lengthy legal battle, and the land was returned to Mutesi along with a compensation of Ksh. 5 million.
Today, the Ndabibi farmers, a group of over 140,000 elderly Kenyans, find themselves in a similar plight.
These farmers trace their claim to the land back to the will of Gilbert Colville, a white settler who had worked alongside their parents and grandparents.
Before his death in 1966, Colville allocated 5,000 acres to the Ndabibi farmers, a decision formalized in his will.
Despite initial challenges in subdividing and securing titles, the farmers lawfully acquired the land.
Yet, the 1,000 acres initially set aside to repay a development loan became the center of controversy. Former PS Benjamin Kipkulei allegedly colluded with corrupt officials to obtain fake title deeds, claiming ownership of the land.
However, Kipkulei failed to substantiate his claims in court, and in 2015, the Ndabibi farmers emerged victorious.
This victory was short-lived. President Ruto now claims ownership of the entire 5,000-acre farm, citing a purchase from Kipkulei.
Using state power, police forcibly evicted the elderly farmers from their legally acquired land, torching homes, looting property, and arresting those who resisted. Many of these farmers, now over 90 years old, have been left homeless and destitute.
This episode reflects a blatant misuse of power and disregard for the law. Even if the Ndabibi farmers were squatters — which they are not — their prolonged occupancy would grant them legal rights to the land under Kenyan law.
Yet their claim goes beyond occupancy: they have a will, legal documents, and decades of stewardship to back their rightful ownership.
President Ruto should take a page from his own history and do the honorable thing.
Just as he returned the 100-acre farm to Adrian Mutesi after a court order, he should now surrender the Ndabibi farm to its rightful owners. Holding onto the land not only violates the farmers’ rights but also perpetuates the culture of impunity and land grabbing that has plagued Kenya for decades.
Kenya needs leaders who prioritize justice, equity, and the rule of law.
For years, past administrations and legislatures have failed to address the systemic issues of corruption and land grabbing. President Ruto’s actions on Ndabibi farm are a litmus test of his commitment to justice and accountability.
True reform requires more than rhetoric. Ending corruption and land injustices in Kenya is possible within a short timeframe if the leadership demonstrates political will, transparency, and integrity.
Surrendering Ndabibi farm to its rightful owners is a critical first step in this journey. Justice for the Ndabibi farmers will not only restore their dignity but also send a strong message that no one is above the law, not even the President.
By doing so, President Ruto can begin to rebuild trust and set a precedent for a Kenya where the rights of all citizens, regardless of their status, are respected and upheld. Anything less would be a betrayal of the values that define a just and democratic society.
Dr. Isaac Newton Kinity is a Kenyan activist and advocate for human rights and social justice.
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