A legal storm is brewing over the inheritance of Jonathan Kipkemboi Moi, son of the late former President Daniel Arap Moi. His son, Clint Kiprono Moi, has taken a bold step by asking the court to order DNA tests for 19 individuals claiming to be children of the late Jonathan Moi.
According to Kiprono, the tests are necessary to confirm who the rightful biological children are. He believes this is the only fair way to ensure that only genuine heirs benefit from his father’s estate. Until this issue is resolved, Kiprono wants the court to stop the 19 claimants from making any further demands or claims.
This move follows a court-accepted mediation process that had already identified 19 people from four different households as beneficiaries of the estate. However, Kiprono disputes this process. He says the decisions made during the mediation were through voting, not full agreement. He also adds that he was not present during those discussions. Most importantly, he claims that some of those listed as heirs might not be related to Jonathan Moi by blood.
The legal battle was presented in court before Justice Eric Ogola. During the hearing, a lawyer for one of Jonathan Moi’s wives, Duncan Okatch, expressed concern about the delays caused by the dispute. He mentioned that one of the children involved in the case is currently battling Stage 2 cancer and urgently needs medical support, which depends on the estate’s funds.
Lawyers defending the current list of beneficiaries argue that the estate’s distribution has already started. They also say that 20% of the late President Moi’s estate was specifically set aside for Jonathan Moi’s children. They added that since the late President emphasized in his will that his wealth should stay within his bloodline, it makes sense to do DNA tests to clear up the confusion.
Justice Ogola is expected to give a ruling on Kiprono’s DNA test request on June 26, 2025.
By Lucky Anyanje
