Elderly Woman Battles Ex-MP in Desperate Fight for Her Home Amid Harassment and Threats!
“I feel completely helpless,” Kuto said, tears in her eyes. “The owner has oppressed me. I have no one to fight for me. Even after reporting to the police, nothing has been done.”
Tears of Despair: Elderly Landlady Sobs as Former MP Cornelly Serem's Construction Sparks Harassment and Property Dispute.
An elderly woman and former healthcare provider is pleading for justice after facing harassment and intimidation over a property dispute involving a high-ranking government official.
Cecilia Cherono Kuto, a landlady in Langas, alleges that a multi-story building under construction has encroached on her property, causing significant damage and posing serious risks to her tenants. The building, reportedly owned by former Aldai Member of Parliament Cornelly Serem, has led to an exodus of tenants due to falling debris and hazardous living conditions.
Kuto recounted an incident in which a piece of falling wood struck one of her tenants, raising concerns about further dangers from falling stones and other construction materials.
“The workers have been stepping on my roof and chimney, damaging them. Now, rainwater leaks into the rooms, ruining the ceilings. Living conditions have become unbearable,” she lamented.
She further described how a lorry carrying construction materials crashed into her wall on April 24, 2024, leaving it cracked and at risk of collapse.
According to Kuto, her attempts to intervene have been met with insults and threats from construction workers. Despite reporting the matter to the National Construction Authority (NCA) on April 30, 2024, no action has been taken beyond marking the building with a warning sign.
“I feel completely helpless,” Kuto said, tears in her eyes. “The owner has oppressed me. I have no one to fight for me. Even after reporting to the police, nothing has been done.”
She filed a report at Langas Police Station on May 30, 2025, but authorities have yet to take further steps to resolve the dispute. A document outlining a resolution agreement was signed between both parties, including former MP Cornelly Serem, but it has yet to be enforced.
Eldoret-based human rights activist Kimutai Kirui condemned the alleged land encroachment, calling on the NCA to take immediate action.
“This building has clearly exceeded its boundary and is endangering lives,” Kirui stated. “Before constructing storey buildings, public participation involving the neighboring community should be conducted.”
Kirui also accused powerful individuals of exploiting the less privileged, claiming that the former MP might be trying to pressure the elderly woman into selling her land at a lower price.
Hilary Lelei, one of Kuto’s tenants, described the distressing conditions they face daily.
“We live in fear. Debris keeps falling, and children can no longer play safely. The workers intimidate us, telling us that we have no power because the owner is an influential government figure,” Lelei said. “We are calling for justice for this woman.”
Despite multiple complaints to the NCA and police, Kuto remains trapped in a battle for justice. Her home and only source of livelihood are at risk, yet government authorities who could intervene have remained silent.
With her financial resources limited, legal action against the former MP remains out of reach. Kuto now hopes that her plight will draw attention to the growing trend of land disputes where the powerful oppress the vulnerable.
“This is all I have. I just want my property and safety respected,” she said, her voice filled with anguish.
About Author
