Murkelda’s Son Denied Free Bond in Sh100 Million Kaptagat Land Dispute Case
Joseph Kimitei, son of the late prominent Uasin Gishu cereal farmer Francis Kimitei alias Murkelda, had sought to be released on free bond, arguing that he was not a flight risk and had consistently attended court proceedings in other land-related cases.
Joseph Kimitei in the dock at eldoret law court.
By James Gitaka
A 60-year-old businessman and cereal farmer accused of malicious damage to property has been released on a personal bond of Sh100,000 or an alternative cash bail of Sh50,000 after an Eldoret court declined his request for free bond.
Joseph Kimitei, son of the late prominent Uasin Gishu businessman Francis Kimitei alias Murkelda, made an appeal for leniency before Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Areri, insisting that he was a law-abiding citizen who had no intention of evading justice.
Kimitei told the court, through his lawyer Elijah Ayiego, that he had several ongoing land-related cases before the Environment and Land Court and had never failed to attend proceedings or jumped bail.
“Your Honour, I have several other cases related to land disputes at the Environment and Lands Court which I have never missed to attend or jumped bail,” Kimitei argued.
His lawyer supported the application, maintaining that his client had demonstrated respect for court processes and was unlikely to abscond if released without stringent bond conditions.
“Your Honour, I pray that you grant my client free bond owing to the fact that he has never failed to attend court when needed in several land-related matters he is facing in other courts,” Ayiego submitted.
However, in his ruling, Magistrate Areri declined the request for free bond and instead ordered Kimitei’s release on a personal bond of Sh100,000 with one surety, or an alternative cash bail of Sh50,000.
Kimitei is charged with malicious damage to property contrary to Section 339(1) of the Penal Code.
According to the charge sheet, he allegedly wilfully and unlawfully destroyed a semi-permanent iron-sheet house valued at more than Sh162,000 belonging to Michael Nganga.
The alleged offence occurred on April 9, 2026, at Uhuru Village in Kaptagat Location, Ainabkoi Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County.
The criminal case is linked to a longstanding land ownership dispute involving two families over a prime 50-acre property in the Kaptagat area, whose estimated value stands at approximately Sh100 million.
The complainant’s family is reported to have left the property more than three decades ago following alleged threats to their lives, reportedly involving the accused person and members of his family.
The prosecution has lined up six witnesses, including the complainant, to testify in the case.
The matter will be mentioned on November 23, 2026, when the court is expected to issue directions on the hearing.
Kimitei remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.
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