Wanjigi billions: Court allows estate distribution as brothers clash
By CATHY WAMAITHA
The family of the late former Cabinet minister Maina Wanjigi has been cleared to proceed with the distribution of his multi-billion-shilling estate despite a bitter legal battle between his sons over its management.
The High Court ruling allows widow Mary Wambui and her son Jimi Wanjigi to continue administering the vast family empire as a dispute over the status of Jimi’s brother, Sonny Mbui Wanjigi, as an executor and trustee remains unresolved.
Justice Hilary Chemitei ruled that the general administration and distribution of the estate could proceed as the court considers the separate dispute over Sonny’s position.
The decision offers a way forward for the estate of the former minister, who died in June 2024, but leaves unresolved the family feud over how his wealth should be managed and distributed.
Maina had named his widow and two sons, Jimi and Sonny, as executors and trustees of his estate.
The empire spans at least seven companies, including Chania Merchants, East African Office Equipment (1976), Kitamaiyu Limited, Kianjoya, Nine Sisters Limited, Nine Sisters Management Karen Limited and Chepe Chepe Limited.
The dispute pits Jimi, a businessman and politician who sought the presidency in 2022, and his mother against Sonny over the administration of the family’s vast business interests.
Wambui and Jimi moved to court seeking Sonny’s removal as an executor and trustee, arguing that his objections and legal challenges were deliberately delaying the management and final distribution of the estate.
They want him removed from his executive responsibilities to allow the distribution of assets held across companies linked to the family empire.
But Sonny has opposed the application, raising questions about how his late father’s wealth was allocated and whether the current administration reflects his wishes.
In his response, Sonny alleged that an eight-year family trust established by his father received only modest assets, while the bulk of the multi-billion-shilling estate was held outside the trust.
He also claimed that company records and directorships had been altered without his consent and that four major properties had been illegally disposed of.
Sonny argued that the manner in which the estate was being administered could undermine his father’s intentions to preserve the family wealth for future generations.
Wambui has rejected the allegations, maintaining that her husband sold the four disputed properties while he was still alive.
She further argued that Sonny had participated in the initial stages of administering the estate before raising objections that she says have stalled the process.
Wambui has also indicated she could ask the High Court’s deputy registrar to sign asset transfer documents on Sonny’s behalf if he refuses to cooperate.
Jimi has authorised his mother to act for him in the case.
The court’s latest directions allow the family to continue with the broader administration and distribution of the estate while the legal contest over Sonny’s status as executor is heard and determined.
