The Environment and Lands Court in Eldoret has ruled in favor of Eunita Kibor, the youngest wife of the late Rift Valley businessman Jackson Kibor, as the rightful executor of his multi-billion-shilling estate. Justice Emmanuel Washe stated that Eunita stands as the sole executor, executing her duties alongside Kibor's former lawyer, Jonah Bundotich. This decision comes amid a dispute with over 16 of Kibor's children.
The late Jackson Kibor's estate is estimated to be worth over Ksh3 billion, comprising expansive prime agricultural land, high-value commercial plots, and various movable and immovable assets. His portfolio includes land spanning Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, and Nakuru counties, as well as commercial plots in Eldoret, Nakuru, and Nairobi. The estate also features multiple bank accounts and shares in blue-chip companies.
The children of the late politician had accused their stepmother of relying on a forged will to allocate herself and her four children the lion's share of the wealth. They also alleged that Eunita unlawfully seized the 320-acre Mafuta Farm in Moiben sub-county, Uasin Gishu County, and collected millions of shillings in rent from a high-value commercial building in Eldoret City without involving other family members.
Justice Washe advised the children that if they object to their stepmother's role, they must follow established legal channels to seek her replacement. The judge highlighted a critical legal flaw in their argument, noting that under the law, if forged documents were used in estate transactions, the official complainant must be the legal executor of the estate.
Eunita Kibor testified that she manages the Eldoret commercial building strictly as a trustee on behalf of her four children. She maintained that Jackson Kibor appointed her as the executor with full goodwill before his death. Eunita also detailed the hardships her household faced, including an eviction from Mafuta Farm, a property she claims Kibor personally gifted her prior to his passing.
Jackson Kibor passed away in March 2022, leaving behind four wives and 27 children. The succession case continues at the High Court in Eldoret, with the court yet to make a final decision on the disputed properties, including matrimonial homes in Chepkoilel and Kabebes in Ziwa.
The court's decision has significant implications for the ongoing dispute over Kibor's estate. Key properties tied to the conflict include the commercial building in Eldoret City and the Mafuta Farm. The case will likely have far-reaching consequences for the beneficiaries of Kibor's estate.
Key points
- Eunita Kibor named as sole executor of Jackson Kibor's KSh3 billion estate
- Dispute over estate involves over 16 of Kibor's children
- Succession case to continue at High Court in Eldoret
