Kericho boasts some of Kenya’s most profitable agricultural land — but the Kipsigis and Talai people say they reap none of the benefit.
Kibore Cheruiyot Ngasura was just a small boy when his family was violently expelled from their ancestral land by British colonisers, and banished never to return.
British and Kenyan lawyers representing the victims made their first visit to Kericho this week since filing an official complaint with the UN, accusing the UK government of failing to account for this colonial-era injustice. Kericho boasts some of Kenya’s most profitable agricultural land — but the Kipsigis and Talai say they reap none of the benefit. The land today is largely owned by corporate giants such as Unilever, which sources tea from Kericho for some of its best-selling brands such as Lipton.The alleged expropriation of land began in the early 20th century but accelerated from the 1920s, after Kericho’s exceptional suitability for tea was realised.
The UK Foreign Office, in a statement to AFP, said it supported the work of UN special rapporteurs, and would “respond accordingly” if contacted by Salvioli, the independent expert for the promotion of justice. “Life was so difficult. People were dying,” said Ngasura, speaking through a translator, surrounded by his extended family.
“It is very bitter, to see where you used to live, and you were chased away,” said Joel Kimutai Kimetto, staring wistfully at distant hills where his father’s land was razed, and tea planted in its place.