The Environment and Lands Court in Eldoret has ruled in favor of Eunita Kibor, confirming her as the sole executor of her late husband's vast estate. The estate, estimated to be worth over Ksh.3 billion, includes massive parcels of prime agricultural land, commercial plots, and several bank accounts. Justice Emmanuel Washe made the ruling, dismissing claims from 16 of Kibor's children who accused Eunita of using a forged will to gain control of the estate.
The children, who claim Eunita has unfairly apportioned the estate to herself and her four children, had argued that their stepmother had used fake documents to gain control of the estate. However, Justice Washe pointed out a critical flaw in their argument, stating that if any fake documents had been used, the law requires that the official complainant must be the legal executor of the estate itself. The judge advised the children to use the right legal procedure to replace Eunita if they are uncomfortable with her position.
At the center of the dispute is a multi-million-shilling building in Eldoret City, which the children claim Eunita has been collecting rent from without involving other family members. They also accuse her of illegally taking over the 320-acre Mafuta Farm in Moiben sub-county, Uasin Gishu county. Eunita, however, testified that she was only a trustee of the Eldoret town commercial building on behalf of her four children and had the blessing of her late husband to manage the estate.
Jackson Kibor, a prominent politician and farmer, died in March 2022, leaving behind four wives and 27 children. His estate includes prime agricultural land spanning Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, and Nakuru counties, as well as commercial plots in Eldoret, Nakuru, and Nairobi. Eunita will execute the estate with the help of Kibor's former lawyer, Jonah Bundotich.
The court's ruling has sparked controversy, with the children expressing concerns over Eunita's management of the estate. However, Justice Washe's decision has provided clarity on the matter, emphasizing that Eunita has the legal authority to manage the estate. The case is ongoing, with the children yet to decide on their next course of action.
Eunita's appointment as executor has also raised questions about the dynamics within the Kibor family. With 27 children from four wives, the family's complex relationships and interests are likely to continue playing a significant role in the ongoing succession case. As the case continues, the court's decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for the family's future.
The dispute over Jackson Kibor's estate highlights the complexities and challenges that often arise in succession cases, particularly in cases involving large estates and multiple family members. The court's ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of having clear documentation and a legally recognized executor to manage the estate.
Key points
- Eunita Kibor has been confirmed as the executor of her late husband's Ksh.3 billion estate.
- The court's ruling dismissed claims from 16 of Kibor's children who accused Eunita of using a forged will to gain control of the estate.
- The estate includes prime agricultural land, commercial plots, and several bank accounts across several counties in Kenya.
