Orwa Ranch Land Dispute: Man Charged Over Ksh 34 Million KETRACO Fraud as Court Adjourns Case to 2026

By Wasike Elvis

A long-running land dispute involving the 13,000-hectare Orwa Group Ranch has returned to court, with renewed scrutiny over alleged fraud, irregular land adjudication, and the disputed handling of millions of shillings in compensation funds.

Enos Lomuale Rianosia appeared before Principal Magistrate Stellah Telewa at Kapenguria Law Courts on Tuesday, facing charges of obtaining registration by false pretence, contrary to Section 320 of the Penal Code. He is accused of fraudulently obtaining more than Ksh 34 million from the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) on March 21 and September 11, 2019, by falsely presenting himself and others as legitimate officials of Orwa Group Ranch. The funds were meant to compensate the community for land easements associated with electricity transmission infrastructure.

The case was adjourned to March 11, 2026, when all seven prosecution witnesses are expected to testify. Elderly community members, including Julius Achapa (66), Paulo Cheptopot (69), Stephen Lopos (67), and Patrick Pkich (78), were present in court and are expected to provide crucial testimony on the history and ownership of the ranch. Magistrate Telewa directed that witnesses be heard comprehensively during the next hearing.

Decades-Long Dispute

Orwa Ranch, located near Marich in West Pokot County, was first declared an adjudication section between 1978 and 1981, with an original membership register of 345 people. Disputes over ownership, subdivision, and leadership have persisted for decades, with allegations of fraudulent subdivision, creation of false registers, and misallocation of land and compensation funds to individuals described by residents as non-bona fide members.

In a related ruling on January 16, 2025, Chief Magistrate Bernard Odengo in Republic v. Simon Ngolekong Merii and Nine Others noted that mediation attempts had failed, necessitating a full judicial hearing to resolve the matter.

Ignored Warnings and Alleged Irregularities

Court documents and police correspondence reveal systemic failures in land adjudication. A December 2020 letter from the National Police Service to the Director of Land Adjudication and Settlement warned against the continued subdivision of Orwa Ranch, citing security concerns and reports that officials had been misled. Despite the advisory, the subdivision reportedly proceeded.

“The Orwa Ranch land was never properly declared for adjudication. The subdivision was carried out in secrecy and favoured a select group,” said community leader Jackson Lokwen.

Judicial Review and Missing Funds

The dispute is also the subject of a judicial review filed in 2019 under Republic v. Cabinet Secretary for Lands & Others. Applicants argue that a 2016 incorporation certificate issued to current ranch representatives was illegal following the repeal of the Land (Group Representatives) Act, Cap 287, and that Ksh 38 million received from KETRACO remains unaccounted for. They have sought an injunction to stop any further land transactions or subdivisions pending court determination.

Wider Land Governance Challenges

Orwa Ranch reflects broader land governance challenges in West Pokot County, where similar disputes have emerged in Endugh Location Adjudication Section and Katikomor Group Ranch. Human rights activist Kimutai Kirui, representing sections of the Orwa community, stressed the importance of judicial intervention.

“Land is a critical community resource, and its mismanagement has long-term social and economic consequences. We have faith in the judiciary to deliver justice to the bona fide members of Orwa Group Ranch,” Kirui said.

Mining Concerns Intensify Tensions

Community tensions are further compounded by illegal mining. Earlier this year, seven Chinese nationals were convicted for unlawful mining along the Wei-Wei River in Sigor, Pokot Central Sub-County, following a February 12, 2025, joint operation by the DCI Mining Investigations Unit and the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.

For Orwa residents, the combination of land disputes, alleged fraud, and resource exploitation has heightened mistrust, leaving the community hopeful that the courts will finally restore justice for bona fide landowners.