A 72-year-old woman, living with mental impairment in Blue Hills Village, Kipkelion West in Kericho County risks losing her inherited land after her brothers reportedly took over the property.

Preliminary reports indicate that her step-brothers reportedly forcefully took possession of a portion of land she has occupied for years.

According to information received from a concerned relative, the elderly woman, who resides on her late father’s farm together with her mentally sick daughter and four grandchildren, had been allocated five acres of land by her two biological brothers in line with her late father’s wishes.

The allocation was reportedly pending formal succession through a court process.

However, tension escalated on April 25, 2026, when four step-brothers, identified as David Maritim, Rogers Langat, Benard Maritim and Kipkirui Langat, allegedly trespassed onto the land and hived off three acres for themselves.

The relative claims the action took place without court order or legal process. The step-brothers are said to live on a separate parcel of land in Cheplil, Ainamoi, which had already been allocated to them by their late father. Previously, there have been concerns having been raised over their disposal of a significant portion of their inheritance.

Efforts by local residents to mediate the situation reportedly failed, with witnesses alleging the stepbrothers dismissed their concerns and made remarks questioning the deceased patriarch’s earlier decisions.

The matter has since been reported at Kipkelion Police Station and appears in Occurrence Book (OB) number 20/26/04/2026, although relatives say no action has been taken so far.

“This is the only source of livelihood for the elderly woman and her dependents. She is vulnerable and unable to defend her rights,” a relative said and appealed for urgent intervention.

The case has sparked concern over the protection of persons with disabilities, particularly in matters of inheritance and land rights.

Under the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, Article 27 guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination, while Article 40 safeguards every individual’s right to property.

The Persons with Disabilities Act further protects persons with disability from abuse, exploitation, and unlawful deprivation of property.

Advocates argue that disability does not diminish an individual’s legal rights including the right to inherit and own property.

Calls are now mounting for the relevant authorities to intervene and ensure justice is served.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Kipngeno Korir