A family from Kaukotoit village in Teso North, Busia County, is pleading with the Judiciary to expedite a case that is preventing the burial of their patriarch, who died seven weeks ago.
Speaking to the press outside the Malaba Law Court following the family's final submissions, led by the deceased's brother, Amos Iteba, the family lamented how the tussle land case had deprived them of their right to give their kin a proper send-off in accordance with Iteso customary law.
“It has been a costly exercise and some of the family’s school-going children have had to skip classes. Others who are working have had to stop going to work until we bury him,” Iteba said.
In his submission to Chief Magistrate Ocharo Momanyi, he stated that the land had been subdivided into portions according to the tribunal and was overseen by clan elders led by Ekiringi.
The clan chair echoed that sentiment, urging the court to reconsider the original boundaries given the urgency of the situation.
According to the deceased's son, Fredrick Iteba, all of their plans have been thwarted because they are no longer able to conduct their daily business due to Iteso culture, which requires families to bury their dead before beginning daily activities.
“He has lived on this land since 1973 and it is surprising for other people to come out now saying they have bought the land. We want a thorough investigation because as the family’s eldest son, I wonder how younger brothers got access to the family land documents. It has to involve all children of the deceased,” he said.
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