Kalonzo denies Ruto’s claims of stealing public land in Yatta
By Kenneth Mwenda, June 23, 2026Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has rejected President William Ruto’s claim that he took public land in Yatta, saying the matter is based on false claims and has already been settled by court decisions. The dispute has again brought attention to long-running tensions over land ownership and accountability in Kenya.
According to a video posted on his X account on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Kalonzo Musyoka said the land in question is not public property and sits within an area owned by multiple private individuals. He insisted that the issue has nothing to do with public institutions. In his response, he urged clarity and fairness in how the matter is discussed.
“Mr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, has made a very serious claim against me. The claim, according to him, is that I took public land owned by National Youth Service at Yatta,” Kalonzo said.
“Because the land they are talking about, by the way, is right inside land owned by many other people. So, Kenyans must know it has nothing to do with NYS. NYS might be neighbours, but NYS themselves have written to say they have no interest in the matter.”
Matter already settled in court
He added that the matter had already been addressed in court. According to Kalonzo, a High Court decision confirmed that he acquired the land legally and followed proper procedures. He said the ruling stopped further public debate on the same issue and should be respected.
“There is a specific finding by the High Court that stopped anyone from continuing with these claims. The court found that I bought the land legally and properly,” Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo stressed that the issue has been repeated several times over the years and should now be closed. He said continued discussion only distorts facts that have already been tested in law.
Ruto urged accountability reply
At the same time, Kalonzo turned the focus back to President Ruto, saying the Head of State should also respond to questions raised about his own record on land and leadership accountability. He called for equal standards when discussing public figures.
Kalonzo said openness was necessary in public life and urged Ruto to set the record straight on matters raised about his conduct and history in public office. He argued that accountability should apply to all leaders without exception.
“We must be open. Kenyans should interrogate all claims, and the President should also respond clearly and put his record on the table,” he said.
Kalonzo further said that future leadership should introduce strict checks on how leaders acquire wealth and property while in office. He argued that public trust depends on transparency and consistent scrutiny of all leaders.
“When we take over, God willing, we will carry out strict audits on the lifestyle of leaders who get elected into office,” he said.