Court sends two Nakuru women to mediation in 6-year dispute over cows

A court in Nakuru has directed two women embroiled in a long-running dispute over the ownership of two Friesian cows to pursue mediation in an attempt to resolve the matter.

Senior Principal Magistrate Kipkurui Kibelion ordered Ann Cherotich and Gloria Kandie to appear before him on April 2, 2026, alongside their lawyers for mediation, after expressing frustration over delays that have stalled the case since 2020.

The dispute centres on two cows, Ruma and Lelgina, whose ownership has been contested by the two women for years. In an unusual development, the animals were subjected to a DNA test in 2020 to determine their rightful owner.

The court had initially scheduled a hearing on Wednesday, during which Cherotich was expected to testify for a second time after giving evidence before a different magistrate three years ago.

However, lawyers representing both sides initially appeared virtually, prompting Magistrate Kibelion to order them to appear physically in court. The advocates later attended at around 11am and offered explanations, but the court remained dissatisfied.

“The parties in the case are directed to appear on April 2 for mediation,” ruled Kibelion.

The court had previously granted the parties time in October 2025 to attempt an out-of-court settlement, though both sides later told the court that negotiations had proved difficult.

Kandie has remained in possession of the cows throughout the dispute. While Ruma is still alive, Lelgina died in 2021.

Cherotich claims the cows were stolen from her in 2015 and that she later traced them to Kandie’s compound in 2020. She further told the court that the animals recognised her when she found them.

According to a report filed by Rongai Sub-county veterinary officer Peter Ngugi, Cherotich estimated her economic losses linked to Lelgina at Sh1.165 million by September 2021.

The mediation process is expected to begin on April 2.