The estate of the late Martin Shikuku, renowned as a firebrand politician and former Butere Member of Parliament, is now at the centre of a fierce legal dispute among his family members over the distribution of his assets.
Martin Shikuku, who passed away at the age of 79 on August 22, 2012, meticulously planned for his departure, even arranging his own burial logistics, but his death has led to a major legal battle involving his estate, estimated to be worth around Ksh 25 million.
The conflict began with a one-page document, purportedly a will, addressed “to whom it may concern” and signed by Shikuku and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Other family members contested the letter, which claimed that Emmanuel Noel Shikuku would inherit land in Kiminini.
They argued that Shikuku was a polygamous man with three wives, contrary to the document’s claim of a single spouse, Dolly Achieng Shikuku.
Frida Nafuna, Jacob Ndeche, Stephen Ashiembi, Martha Shikuku, and Jacinta Amunga have contested the document’s authenticity, alleging it was a forgery.
They claim Shikuku had ten children, but the document ignores other beneficiaries.
The court found the letter lacking legal validity due to its improper format and insufficient witnesses.
Justice Mugure Thande ruled that the document could not be considered a valid will and revoked Noel’s previous authorisation to manage the estate.
Ashiembi and Martha have been appointed as administrators for the estate.
The court is now considering a proposal from Ashiembi and Martha for the division of Shikuku’s assets.
They suggest dividing the Kiminini land, estimated at 113 acres, among all beneficiaries.
They also propose splitting various properties, including apartments in Oyster Gardens and Woodley, as well as liquidating assets such as Kenya Airways and Kenya Power shares.
The court will revisit the case in October.
