The widow of former Kenyan Vice-President George Saitoti is fiercely opposing a legal attempt to exhume her husband's remains for DNA testing. Margaret Saitoti has asked the High Court to reject a petition by James Njage, who claims to be the late politician's biological son.
Saitoti died 14 years ago on 10 June 2012 in a helicopter crash in Kibiku Forest, Ngong.
Fear of Mental Torture and Desecration
The primary reason for Mrs Saitoti’s opposition is the severe emotional strain an exhumation would inflict on her family. In court filings, she stated that digging up the body would cause deep distress and desecrate the memory of her late husband.
"Any exhumation will be a personal affront to the reputation of the deceased, who was a well-respected and honoured statesman and a senior government official. Such an act will cause unwarranted trauma and mental torture for the family of the deceased."
She argued that the court must protect the family from needless mental suffering.
Concerns Over Decomposition and Missing Proof
Mrs Saitoti also raised technical and evidentiary concerns regarding the petition. She warned that exhuming remains buried 14 years ago might prove futile, as advanced decomposition could render DNA sampling impossible.
In addition, she pointed out that Mr Njage failed to provide basic identification documents, such as a birth certificate, national identity card, or passport.
"The alleged claim for recognition is an afterthought brought forward 14 years after the deceased's demise, with the sole intention of gaining publicity and unwarranted financial gain from the estate of the deceased,” she added.
She stressed that she had never known Mr Njage or been aware of his existence prior to the court case.
Estate Value and Legal Proceedings
The ongoing court battle centres on a substantial estate. Properties in dispute include commercial land, an ostrich farm in Kajiado, a flower farm in Thika, and residential properties in Muthaiga, Lavington, Karen, and Nyali.
In 2013 probate filings, the assets were valued at Sh84.5 million for court-duty purposes, excluding bank accounts.
The former Vice-President died alongside five others when their helicopter crashed shortly after departing Wilson Airport. Mrs Saitoti affirmed that the estate was lawfully settled under a 2001 will in favour of herself and her son, Zachary Musengi.
Mr Njage, who claims he was a minor living abroad when the grant was confirmed, is demanding a 50 per cent share of the net estate. Justice Roseline Oganyo scheduled the open court hearing for 23 November 2026.
