Succession Disputes Fuel Case Backlog in North Rift Courts, Judge Says

Succession disputes continue to pose a major challenge to the administration of justice in the North Rift region, significantly contributing to the growing backlog of cases at courts in Eldoret and its surrounding areas.

The Presiding Judge of the Eldoret High Court, Justice Reuben Nyakundi, has revealed that more than 3,000 succession-related cases are currently pending before the Eldoret High Court alone, while the wider Eldoret Law Courts are grappling with an overall backlog of approximately 17,000 cases.

Justice Nyakundi made the remarks on Friday during the Annual Judiciary Dialogue Day held at the Eldoret Law Courts, a forum that brought together litigants, advocates, court users, and residents from across Uasin Gishu County and the wider North Rift region.

Addressing the gathering, the judge urged families and communities to embrace alternative justice mechanisms, including court-annexed mediation, to resolve inheritance disputes and reduce the strain on the formal court system.

“There is no reason why a succession matter in our communities should remain in court for 35 to 45 years. Parliament has provided clear timelines requiring succession cases to be concluded within one year, and as a court we are committed to ensuring these matters are determined in good time,” Justice Nyakundi said.

He noted that the Judiciary’s ongoing efforts to decentralise services and bring justice closer to the people were already bearing fruit, citing the commissioning of the Moiben Law Courts as a key milestone.

“The Moiben Court has significantly reduced the distance and cost of accessing justice for residents of Moiben and the wider Uasin Gishu area. It has also helped decongest the Eldoret courts,” he said.

Justice Nyakundi added that the anticipated commissioning of the Turbo Law Courts would further ease pressure on Eldoret courts and enhance access to justice for residents of Turbo, Kapsaos, Tapsagoi, and neighbouring areas.

“Once the Turbo Court is operational, we expect a further reduction in case backlog. We are also hopeful that the Chief Justice, Martha Koome, will deploy more magistrates and judges to the North Rift to accelerate the disposal of cases,” he said.

The judge called on the Uasin Gishu County Government, elders, religious leaders, and other local stakeholders to take a more active role in resolving succession disputes at the community level before they escalate into lengthy court battles.

He warned that unresolved inheritance disputes often result in economic losses, stalled development projects, and strained family relationships, with some families in the region remaining locked in litigation for decades.

The Judiciary Dialogue Day attracted a large turnout of residents and litigants from Eldoret and surrounding areas. However, the forum was partially disrupted by ongoing demonstrations in Eldoret involving boda boda riders and police officers.

The disturbances, which began on Thursday night, forced organisers to relocate the event from the Eldoret High Court to the Eldoret Law Courts, even as court operations in the town continued under heightened security.