An Eldoret Court has instructed Kalenjin elders to mediate a dispute over the burial location of a woman whose body has been in the mortuary for the past six months. Eldoret High Court Judge Reuben Nyakundi directed the elders, known as Myoot, to help resolve the conflict between the deceased’s son, Justus Kosgey, and his stepmother, Salina Kendagor.
Salina is seeking a court order to have the deceased, Catherine Jerotich, 65, interred at her relatives’ home, while Justus wants his mother buried on the land of their late father, Barnabas Kendagor, next to the grave of his deceased brother, Stanley Kiplagat.
Yesterday, Justice Nyakundi referred the case to the elders, led by Major (Rtd) John Seii, after both parties agreed to pursue mediation through their lawyers, Andrew Kibii and Ngigi Mbugua. The elders are expected to report back to the court on August 27 to update on the mediation progress and whether an agreement on the burial site has been reached.
Justice Nyakundi expressed his willingness to adopt the resolution agreed upon by the disputing parties in order to foster peace among the family members.
“I am pleased that after discussions with your lawyers, you have opted for an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, which is also recognized under Kenyan law. I will support the entire process to help you find a solution that is cohesive and will not disrupt the family,” Judge Nyakundi stated.
