Heirs at war: Kihika Kimani's widows, children clash over Sh600 million legacy

The property of former Nakuru MP the late Kihika Kimani at Engashura farm in Nakuru on January 13, 2016. [File, Standard]

The fight over Sh600 million estate of the late politician Kihika Kimani has taken a new twist as widows and children have challenged a judgment delivered on March 14, 2025.

Erishifa Wanjiru, the daughter of Margaret Wambui, the first widow, has challenged the judgement and has appealed.

Her notice of appeal has been filed before Judge Samwel Mohochi, declaring her intention to appeal his decision.

Alice Mukuhi, the second wife, has also expressed her dissatisfaction with Mohochi’s ruling.

“Kindly note that Mukuhi is dissatisfied with the judgment and requests for typed proceedings to enable her to appeal to the Court of Appeal,” read her application.

Jane Muthoni, the third wife, who also got the majority of Kihika’s shares in the partial distribution, has appealed the decision.

Despite not raising detailed reasons why they challenge the judgment, the three state that they do not agree with the mode of distribution directed by the court.

Daniel Kimani, a beneficiary of the estate, challenges the distribution of a 3-acre land in Lanet, as per the court’s verdict.

Kimani, alias Kungu, who got a house in Engashura and 12 acres in Muthengera Farm, Nyahururu, submits that the 3 acres belong to him and it is not available for distribution.

“I purchased the land upon approvals by Mukuhi and Wanjiru on September 7, 2004, and the same is not available for distribution,” he submits before the court.

He said he purchased the land for Sh500,000, payable by monthly instalments of Sh20,000, and wants the court to stop any planned interference on his peaceful possession of the land.

On March 14, three out of eight houses of the late Kihika won big with the court allocating them and their 23 children majority shares.

The judge ruled that the other widows, Mary Wangari, Winnie Wanjeri, Charity Nyambura, Mirriam Warau, and Lucy Wangari had no proof to enable equal distribution of the estate.

He distributed 109 acres in Muthengera Farm, Nyahururu, 153 acres in Roselyn Farm, Njoro, 57 acres in Shangilia Farm, 314 acres in Marmanet Farm, 314 acres in Laikipia, and properties in Engashura.

Although the five widows had proposed equal distribution, as per Section 40 of the Laws of Succession, Mohochi ruled that contribution of each of the widows was considered in his decision.

In his distribution, the judge ruled that an incomplete house and plots in Engashura, Nakuru, would be divided equally among Wambui, Mukuhi, and Wanjiru and their 23 children.

Further, he distributed a land next to the incomplete houses, equally among the three widows and their children.

The court also gave the three widows a land between the perimeter fence and the first house.