Busia High Court Presiding Judge, Justice William Musyoka, has underscored the need to sensitise residents of Busia on the succession process.
Speaking during a sensitisation forum at a hotel in Busia, Justice Musyoka noted that the succession process is very emotive because it is the easiest way of acquiring property.
‘A number of assault and murder cases are caused by wrangles by family members as they struggle to access the deceased’s property,” he remarked.
He noted that a lot of succession cases in the County were driven by purchasers, yet the process should be initiated by family members.
‘Succession is the transfer of property from the dead to the living,” he explained, adding that the process must be undertaken in a court of law.
He advised residents who wish to carry out the process to liaise with their respective area chiefs for guidance to avoid being duped by brokers who are out to exploit them.
The official at the same time warned the local residents against selling the property of the deceased before succession is carried out, adding that the move causes complications when the court starts distributing property.
“In case there is a very pressing issue that can compel a family to sell part of the property, they should come to court to seek orders,” he said, adding that those purchasing property of the deceased risked losing their property.
Justice Musyoka encouraged local administrators to give accurate information while writing letters to the judiciary on the details of the intended beneficiaries.
‘I want to remind area chiefs to ensure that all children of the deceased, irrespective of their gender, have their details included,’ he said, adding that some cases drag in court due to the omission of some details.
He further urged religious leaders to help their congregants understand the succession process so that cases of murder and assaults emanating from land issues are prevented.
The forum brought together judicial officers, representatives of the National Police Service, National Government Administrative Officers, Land Registrar, Land Surveyor with a view to sensitise priests from the Catholic Diocese of Bungoma on the process of succession.
By Salome Alwanda
