The High Court in Eldoret has summoned the Uasin Gishu Land Registrar in a legal dispute concerning the estate of former Colonial-era paramount chief Kibor arap Talai, valued at sh 3.5 billion.
The conflict revolves around two widows, Tapyotin Talai, 84, who has since passed away, and Irene Talai, 54, both vying for control over the considerable assets located in the region.
Justice Reuben Nyakunid has instructed the government official to appear in court on May 21st to provide clarity on the current status of the contested property, a directive prompted by the protracted legal battle spanning over a decade between the two widows over the deceased’s estate.
The late paramount chief succumbed to diabetes-related complications in 2012, triggering the commencement of legal proceedings among his widows for estate management rights.
Justice Nyakund’s directive stems from concerns raised by the children of the first family, alleging that the land had been subdivided into 150 plots by the second widow, Irene Talai, based on a disputed Will. Irene purportedly allocated herself the majority share of the land distribution, sparking prolonged contention.
During court proceedings, Nancy Talai, the eldest daughter of the late paramount chief, accused her stepmother of fabricating the Will to allocate herself and her three children a significant portion of the estate. Nancy emphasized that Irene made no financial contributions to acquiring the expansive estate spanning Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
Nancy further stated that Irene Talai had not shared any rental income from various commercial plots in Eldoret, totaling more than sh 60 million, with the first family, recounted Nancy during her testimony.
Nancy and her siblings contested the authenticity of the Will presented by their stepmother, asserting it was fraudulent. Their claims were supported by a former Chief Inspector of police attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) in Nairobi, Daniel Gutu, who, over three years of analysis, concluded that the signature on the purported Will was indeed forged.
Daniel Gutu, the retired DCI officer, elucidated his findings to Justice Nyakundi, explaining that after scrutinizing pen movement, speed, natural lift, and pressure, among other characteristics, he determined the signature to be counterfeit.
However, Irene Talai maintains the validity of the Will, asserting that it delineates the deceased’s intentions for estate distribution between the two households. According to Irene, the late paramount chief bestowed upon her prime land near Moi University, housing commercial properties, including a Safaricom mast, as part of the estate allocation.