A man from Kericho County has been charged with the murder of his 100-year-old mother in a shocking case linked to an inheritance dispute.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 18, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed that the accused, Julius Cheruiyot Bett, is facing a murder charge following the death of his mother, Grace Chelangat.
Bett was formally charged with murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code, an offence that carries severe penalties upon conviction.
Shock as Kericho Man Murders 100-Year-Old Mum in Property Row. Photo: Courtesy.
According to the prosecution, led by David Fedha, the incident occurred on March 7, 2026, at Kiptere location in Sigowet Sub-County, Kericho County, where Bett is alleged to have killed his 100-year-old mother.
“The prosecution, led by David Fedha, told the court that the accused person murdered his mother, Grace Chelangat, aged 100, on the 7th March 2026 at Kiptere location, Sigowet sub-county, Kericho county,” the statement read.
The prosecution alleges that Bett used a motor vehicle to run over his mother, leading to her death.
Authorities believe the act was premeditated and linked to ongoing disputes over family property, with investigators pointing to a long-standing inheritance conflict as the motive.
Bett appeared before Justice Joseph Sergon, where he denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.
The court also considered an application for his release on bond, but the prosecution opposed it. The judge ruled in favour of the prosecution and denied Bett bond as the case proceeds.
The matter is scheduled for mention on May 12, 2026, for pre-trial directions as investigations and case preparations continue.
