A land-buying venture that promised hundreds of families in Borabu, Nyamira County, a fresh start has turned into a bitter dispute, with victims claiming they lost a combined Sh234 million in a deal involving the acquisition of Kimintet farm in Trans Mara, Narok County.

The aggrieved residents, accompanied by human rights activists, staged protests on Monday demanding answers from a lawyer they accuse of facilitating the controversial transaction.

The residents allege that the advocate presented himself as the person who would facilitate their acquisition and eventual occupation of the expansive farm.

However, they claim the promised parcels of land never materialised despite many of them handing over their life savings.

Among those who say they were affected are widows, orphans and low-income families who claim they sold property, emptied their savings or made other sacrifices in anticipation of owning land.

Instead, they say they have been left without the land they were promised and without access to the money they paid into the venture.

Human rights activist Fred Momanyi called for an independent investigation into the allegations, saying the victims deserved a clear account of the funds involved.

“These are ordinary Kenyans who trusted a process they believed was legitimate. Some sold property, others emptied their savings, and today they are left with nothing to show for their sacrifice,” Momanyi said.

Momanyi said the investigation should establish how much money was collected, who received it and what happened to the promised land.

“We are not here to conduct a trial on the streets. We are demanding accountability. If money was collected, there must be a clear account of where it went, who received it and what happened to the promised land,” he said.

He said the involvement of vulnerable residents, including widows, made the allegations particularly serious.

The protesters want the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to investigate the advocate’s conduct and take appropriate disciplinary action if any professional misconduct is established.

They are also calling on investigative agencies to establish the financial trail and determine whether any criminal offences were committed.

Momanyi urged the authorities to act swiftly, saying the victims had already publicly detailed their alleged losses.

“The victims have spoken publicly, and they have put a figure to their losses. What they need now is not another promise. They need an investigation that follows the money and gives them answers,” he said.

For the residents, the dispute goes beyond land ownership. They say the money involved represented years of savings and, for some families, their only opportunity to secure homes and a future for their children.

They now want the alleged financial trail uncovered and those found responsible held accountable.