KANU Chairman and former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has filed an application seeking to strike out an amended petition brought against him by 56 clansmen over a disputed 40-acre parcel of land in Kabarak, Nakuru County.

In legal documents filed at the High Court, Moi terms the amended petition “irregular, procedurally defective, and an abuse of the court process,” arguing that the changes were introduced without the court’s permission, fundamentally altering the nature of the original case.

The land dispute, which has dragged on for years, involves claims by members of the local community who allege that the late President Daniel arap Moi, Gideon’s father, gifted them the land decades ago as a gesture of goodwill. However, the clansmen say that Gideon Moi has failed to honor that promise, declined to process land titles in their names, and is now allegedly attempting to evict them in order to sell the property.

ALSO READ: NCIC Fires Vice Chairperson Wambui Nyutu Over Partisan Political Engagement

According to court filings, Moi’s legal team argues that the amended suit introduces new parties and fresh claims that were not part of the original petition. They contend this is prejudicial to his defense, especially with the hearing date fast approaching.

“The amended petition significantly departs from the initial claim without prior leave of the court, adding parties and facts that were never pleaded,” his legal team states. “This is not only procedurally flawed but also designed to frustrate and prejudice the respondent’s ability to prepare an adequate defense.”

Talks between the parties aimed at reaching an out-of-court settlement reportedly collapsed earlier this year, prompting the petitioners to file the controversial amended suit.

The High Court is scheduled to rule on July 31, 2025, on whether the amended petition will be allowed to proceed or be struck out entirely. If struck out, the clansmen may be forced to revert to the original petition or seek the court’s permission to file a fresh suit further prolonging the protracted legal battle.

Ends///