Family of Late Kenyan Politician Appeals to President Ruto Over Alleged Estate Fraud

The family of the late Hon. James Nderitu Gachagua has formally petitioned President William Ruto, seeking urgent government intervention over what they describe as years of injustice, fraud, and unlawful interference in the administration of his estate.

In a detailed appeal addressed to State House in Nairobi, the family claims that a close relative of the deceased has orchestrated a scheme to disinherit rightful beneficiaries through alleged forgery, intimidation, and irregular transfer of assets.

The letter, signed by immediate family members including Margaret Nyokabi Nderitu and Susan Kirigo Nderitu, raises serious concerns about the authenticity of a will purportedly used to redistribute the late politician’s estate. According to the family, the document in question is marked “Draft Last Will and Testament,” which they argue invalidates its legal standing.

They further allege that the will was created at a time when the deceased was critically ill and incapable of making informed legal decisions. The family states that during his final days at Royal Marsden Hospital, his condition had deteriorated significantly due to metastatic pancreatic cancer, leaving him unable to see, write, or comprehend documents.

“The purported will is inconsistent with both medical reality and eyewitness accounts,” the family said, adding that its existence raises “serious concerns of forgery and fraudulent manipulation.”

Beyond the disputed will, the family accuses the relative of misappropriating funds and unlawfully acquiring key properties belonging to the estate. Among the assets listed are Olive Gardens and Vipingo Beach Resort, which they claim were irregularly transferred.

The petition outlines three primary requests to the government: the launch of an independent investigation into the alleged fraud, the return of all unlawfully transferred assets, and protection of the family from further intimidation or interference.

The appeal underscores what the family describes as prolonged emotional and financial suffering, stating that unresolved disputes have left them in “prolonged agony, uncertainty, and financial distress.”

They expressed hope that President Ruto’s administration would uphold justice and ensure a fair resolution. “We firmly believe in fairness, justice, and the protection of lawful inheritance,” the letter states.

Efforts to reach the accused relative for comment were not immediately successful.

The case highlights broader concerns in Kenya over inheritance disputes, estate management, and the vulnerability of families following the death of prominent individuals.