Uasin Gishu Tycoon’s Estate Battle Heats Up as Judge Recusal Rocks Case

The legal wrangling over the massive estate of the late Uasin Gishu tycoon and politician, Jackson Kibor, has taken a dramatic turn with the presiding judge disqualifying himself from the case.

Justice Reuben Nyakundi of Eldoret High Court stepped down from the contentious succession dispute on Friday, citing a desire to ensure impartiality. “I have tried my best to ensure that I deliver justice to all parties in this matter,” stated Justice Nyakundi, “but for now I will not continue hearing this succession case and hand over the case to another Judge to continue.”

This decision comes amidst accusations of bias from the deceased’s children. In a letter signed by the eldest son, Philip Kibor, and addressed to the Chief Justice and other legal bodies, the children claimed Justice Nyakundi was “biased in the manner he was handling the case.” The letter further alleges that a Will presented by Eunita Kibor, the tycoon’s youngest wife, is a forgery. “This is not just about our inheritance,” the letter reads, “It’s about upholding the integrity of our legal system; we believe our late father’s Will was forged in favor of the youngest wife Eunita Kibor.”

Eunita Kibor, along with her four children, stands in opposition to the claims of the 27 children from the tycoon’s previous marriages. The combined estate, estimated at a staggering 16 billion shillings, includes prime plots, movable and immovable assets across several counties in Kenya.

The authenticity of a Will supposedly left by Kibor is a central point of contention. Eunita Kibor maintains the Will is genuine, while the other family members argue it is a fabrication and request a forensic examination by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

With Justice Nyakundi’s recusal, the case will now be overseen by Judge Emily Ominde. The legal battle promises to continue as both sides fight to secure their share of the late tycoon’s vast wealth.