protracted land dispute that has gripped the community of Hamisi, Vihiga County, for nearly 15 years is approaching a pivotal moment.
This comes with a court ruling set for September 10, 2025, that could finally settle the fate of a 2.0-hectare parcel known as Kakamega/Gimarakwa/494.
At the centre of the conflict is the estate of the late Paulo David Zakayo Kivuli Mwenywa, founder of the African Israel Nineveh Church, who died in 1974.
The land, located near Jebrok market in Hamisi subcounty, has been the subject of a bitter family feud, pitting relatives against John G.K.O. Mweresa Aluse, the church’s current head and defendant in the case.
The dispute erupted in 2010 when a family meeting to resolve inheritance issues failed, with Mweresa’s absence fueling tensions.
The matter escalated, drawing in local authorities, including the District Commissioner and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
After a thorough probe, the DCI handed its findings to law enforcement, paving the way for legal action.
In 2019, Josphat Busisa Aluse and his late mother, Safina Lungazo Aluse, took the fight to the Hamisi Law Court, filing Criminal Case No. 311/2019 against Mweresa.
The case, marked by repeated delays, has seen a succession of magistrates—Dennis Ogal (2019–2020), Melan Ochieng’ (2020–2024), and now Nicodemus Moseti, who is poised to deliver the long-awaited verdict.
The saga reflects deeper challenges in Kenya’s land governance, particularly in Vihiga County, where high population density and fragmented land holdings amplify inheritance disputes.
The absence of clear title deeds and succession plans, a common issue nationwide, has prolonged the conflict, keeping the community on edge.
As the ruling date nears, residents of Hamisi and members of the African Israel Nineveh Church await a decision that could resolve this multi-generational feud and set a precedent for similar disputes.
“This case is more than just one family’s fight—it’s about how we handle land and legacy in our community,” said a local elder, speaking anonymously.
Magistrate Moseti’s verdict is expected to clarify ownership of the parcel and address any allegations of wrongdoing, potentially offering lessons for navigating Kenya’s complex land laws.
now, all eyes are on the Hamisi Law Court, family.
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