Nairobi-based lawyer Zehrababu Janmohammed could be appointed to manage former President Daniel arap Moi’s vast estate if an application by his family is allowed.
Family sources have revealed to the Nation that the application was formally filed at the Milimani High Court on Tuesday.
Many expected Baringo Senator Gideon Moi to make a move for the estate management role.
It is, however, likely that Ms Janmohammed is acting on his behalf.
Gideon is his father’s heir, despite being the last-born son of Kenya’s longest-serving president and one of Africa’s strongmen.
Eight children
The former president had eight children: Jennifer, Jonathan, John Mark, Raymond, Philip, Doris, June and Gideon. Jonathan died in April last year.
In his biography, The Making of an African Statesman, Moi said his family was largely a disappointment. Having divorced his wife Lena, the automatic translation was that Moi’s children did not bring much joy to him.
The differences between some of his children have previously played out in public. His succession has largely been touted to grow into a monumental battle for control of assets worth billions of shillings. Attempts to access the administration proceedings were futile, as only selected employees are allowed inside the court with the case file under lock and key.
Nominate an administrator
Under Kenyan law, after one dies, their family is required to nominate an administrator then file an application at the High Court’s family division.
The administration application usually lists the register of assets and debts that the deceased left behind, and confirms whether there is a will or method of inheritance distribution.
Mr Moi is believed to have acquired assets worth billions in his 24-year reign as president. Some of his known assets include shares in logistics giant Siginon Group, the Standard Group, Hotel Intercontinental, Moi High School Kabarak, Moi Educational Centre, Sacho High School, Kiptagich Tea Estates and Lake Bogoria Spa Resort.
Moi also had thousands of acres of land in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret and Nandi. He died on February 4 after a long illness related to his advanced age.
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