Homa Bay County Commissioner Moses Lilan has issued a stern warning to residents who fight over deceased persons’ estates without observing the laws regulating succession.
Lilan said matters of land succession must be taken with the seriousness they deserve to prevent possible conflicts.
“These conflicts are a result of us ignoring the process of succession until it reaches a point where people start fighting for land belonging to a person who is dead,” he said.
The CC disclosed that chiefs have undergone massive training on land succession and cautioned that whoever is found initiating the sale of the deceased’s estate without observing the legal formalities will be in trouble.
The law of succession states that it is a crime to take possession, dispose of, or otherwise intermeddle with the free property of a deceased person for any purpose unless permitted through a grant of representation or other enabling law or order.
Lilan said if one engages in selling or transacting any business belonging to a dead person before succession, he will be handled as a criminal according to the law.
“Let the beneficiaries seek the services of a lawyer and the court before selling land, lest they find themselves facing criminal charges,” said Lilan.
Speaking on Tuesday during the Jamhuri celebrations at the County Stadium, Lilan sensitised the residents on the ongoing heavy rains that have caused floods in some parts of the region and asked those who reside in flood-prone areas to move to higher grounds to be safe.
“Many people have lost their property and livestock, and that is why we have collaborated with the county government to help flood victims with food and nonfood items,” he informed.
The CC reiterated that after distributing relief food on Monday to flood victims, they have set aside another 800 bags of rice, 340 bags of beans, 500 pieces of mattresses, 200 jikos, and soaps from the national government to help more residents in need of the aid.
This being a festive season, he assured citizens of their safety, saying the security team will ensure they celebrate Christmas and New Year in a safer environment.
He, however, asked them to moderate their celebrations and avoid overindulgence, which might land them in trouble.
By Sitna Omar
