Former Eldoret East MP Joseph Lagat repeatedly refused to answer questions during a heated cross-examination at the Eldoret Environment and Lands Court on Monday, October 5, as a long-running dispute over a Sh30 million parcel of land in Uasin Gishu entered another phase.

Lagat was being cross-examined by lawyer Charles Nyamweya in a case filed by Eldoret real estate developer Duncan Kitur over the ownership and use of the prime property in Chepkanga, along the Eldoret-Iten highway.

The former lawmaker appeared frustrated by the number of questions directed at him, prompting Eldoret Presiding Judge Charles Yano to intervene and ask him to answer directly, including with a simple “yes” or “no” where applicable, to help expedite the proceedings.

During the cross-examination, Lagat admitted that he was in possession of the disputed property despite not obtaining approval from the Land Control Board in Moiben Sub County.

He also told the court that he entered into a sale agreement with Kitur and had paid more than Sh4 million. Lagat disputed Kitur’s claim that he still owes more than Sh3 million from the transaction.

Kitur has accused the former MP of preventing him from accessing the property while failing to clear the outstanding balance. He maintains that he remains the registered owner and holds the title deed to the disputed property.

The three-acre parcel has been at the centre of an ownership dispute between the two parties for several years. Earlier court proceedings established that Kitur had accused Lagat of moving onto the property and ploughing it despite an order requiring the status quo to be maintained.

The order was issued by then Environment and Lands Court Judge Millicent Odeny on March 14, 2018. It directed that the plaintiff remain in possession and barred the felling of trees or construction on the property before the hearing.

Kitur has also taken issue with the continued use of the land, which he says has remained under-utilised because of the prolonged legal dispute.

Lagat was eventually stood down after completing his evidence in relation to the disputed property. The court has also summoned his wife, Sarah Lagat, to appear in person for cross-examination regarding the land dispute.

The case will return to the Eldoret Environment and Lands Court for further hearing on November 3, 2026.