An Eldoret Court has released a 60-year-old cereal farmer and businessman on Bond, after he denied a charge of malicious damage to property.

Joseph Kimitei, son of the late prominent Uasin Gishu farmer, Francis Kimitei alias Murkelda, appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate, Peter Areri, where he faced a charge of destroying a neighbour’s house.

The Court heard that on April 9, 2026, at Uhuru village in Kaptagat, Ainabkoi Sub-County, Kimitei allegedly destroyed a semi-permanent iron-sheet house valued at Sh 162,000 belonging to Michael Nganga. The offence is contrary to Section 339(1) of the Penal Code.

During the plea, Kimitei, through his lawyer, Elijah Ayiego, asked the Court to release him on free Bond, arguing that he was not a flight risk.

He told the Court that he has several ongoing land cases at the Environment and Lands Court, which he has always attended without jumping Bail.

“Your honour, I have never failed to attend Court in my other matters. I am a law-abiding citizen and I will attend all proceedings,” Kimitei told the Court.

His lawyer Ayiego supported the application, assuring the Magistrate that his client would comply with all Court direction. The prosecution opposed free Bond.

In his ruling, Magistrate Areri declined to grant free Bond. He released the accused on a personal Bond of Sh 100,000 with one contact person, or an alternative Cash Bail of Sh 50,000.

The Court was told that the case is linked, to a long-standing dispute over 50 acres of prime land in Kaptagat valued at about Sh 100 million between the family of the accused and that of the complainant.

The complainant’s family is said to have left the disputed land more than 30 years ago following alleged threats.

The matter will be mentioned on November 23, 2026 for fixing of a hearing date. The prosecution said it will call six witnesses, including the complainant.

By Shaline Jeruto