The controversy surrounding the estate of former President Mwai Kibaki has taken a dramatic turn with two individuals claiming to be his children challenging his will. Jacob Ochola Mwai and a woman known as JNL have raised objections to the will, alleging that there are forgeries in the document that was written by Kibaki in 2016.
During a court appearance before Justice Edric Ogola, Mr. Ochola and JNL expressed their intention to contest the will and requested an application for the exhumation of Kibaki’s remains for a DNA test to confirm their paternity. This unexpected twist has thrown a wrench into the proceedings, with the hearing now set for June 26, 2025.
The late President Kibaki had appointed his children Judith, Jimmy, David, and Anthony as executors of his will, in which he divided his wealth equally among them. However, Mr. Ochola and JNL have filed separate objections claiming to be beneficiaries of the estate and seeking recognition as Kibaki’s children.
Mr. Ochola, through his lawyer Morara Omoke, has requested a DNA paternity test to establish his relationship to Kibaki and prevent his exclusion from the estate. The executors of the will have opposed the exhumation application, arguing that it lacks legal basis and disrespects Kibaki’s final wishes.
The family has questioned why Mr. Ochola waited until after Kibaki’s death to claim his paternity and raised doubts about the alleged similarities between him and the late President. They have emphasized the emotional and financial costs of exhumation and reburial, highlighting the national significance of Kibaki’s State Funeral.
As the legal battle unfolds, the court has directed all parties to submit their responses by June 26, 2025. The outcome of this dispute will not only determine the distribution of Kibaki’s estate but also shed light on the complex family dynamics and legacy of one of Kenya’s most prominent leaders.
