Settlement reached in decade-long land dispute for Bungoma police officer

In a recent turn of events, the land dispute between local businessman Mzee Nyongesa Wangila and police officer Peter Maosa over plot LR 1408/32 in Malakisi Township has taken a new direction. Both parties have been directed to appear on October 15, 2025, for a mention.

The dispute began when Wangila, allegedly, tore down a fence that Maosa had put up on the land in question. This act led to Wangila's conviction for malicious damage to property in July 2021. However, the wider ownership dispute between the two parties remains unresolved.

The plot of land was originally leased to Jivibai Jivan Karsandas in January 1956 and expired in December 1988. The lease was then extended for 66 years beginning January 1989 in favor of Shaiwaz S. Jiwa. Despite no title grant being issued, the Ministry of Lands confirmed that Jiwa remained the legally recognised owner of the property.

In 2014, the disputed property was sold by Jiwa to Maosa. However, it appears that Mzee Nyongesa Wangila had also purchased the same property from Shaiwaz S. Jiwa around the same time. Nyongesa presented receipts and statements to support her testimony in court.

Maximilian Nyongesa, the Bungoma County officer in charge of Land Rates, testified in court on August 21, 2025, stating that records for the disputed parcel consistently list Shaiwai Jiwa as the one who pays annual land rates.

In a recent development, the court has given Mzee Nyongesa Wangila 14 days to file a response to the ongoing dispute. Maosa, along with Jiwa, has pursued further legal redress to resolve the ownership issue. Submissions will be reviewed during the October 15 hearing.

The court's decision in this matter will have significant implications for both parties involved and could set a precedent for similar land disputes in the future. The community eagerly awaits the court's decision on October 15, 2025.