When billionaire businessman Gerishon Kirima passed away in 2010, what followed wasn’t a peaceful transfer of wealth — it was a brutal legal war involving his wife, children from different marriages, and accusations of forgery and manipulation. Over a decade later, the Kirima family’s succession feud is still etched in Kenya’s collective memory, serving as a cautionary tale for many.

And yet, they are not alone.

From the Ndung’u family dispute over prime Nairobi properties to the bitter legal fights within the Moi and Koinange families, Kenya’s wealthy clans have become regular fixtures in courtrooms — not just against each other, but even against the very lawyers meant to protect their fortunes. Why does this keep happening? And why does money, instead of bringing comfort, often become the root of generational conflict?

Let’s unpack the patterns behind these high-stakes inheritance battles — and why Kenya’s richest families continue to fight dirty long after their patriarchs die.

1. A Will? Yes. But Not the Right One

You’d think the rich have their affairs in order. But many pass away without a valid will — or worse, with several contradictory ones. In the case of former minister Mbiyu Koinange, multiple “wills” emerged, each claimed to be genuine. This kind of ambiguity leads to endless court wrangles, and family members often turn on lawyers, accusing them of misguiding or manipulating the process.

2. Multiple Wives, Secret Children — A Legal Time Bomb

Polygamy, mistresses, and secret children are a recurring theme in Kenyan succession disputes. In the Kirima saga, the late tycoon’s second wife fought to prove she was legally married under Kikuyu customary law. With multiple “families” showing up, each seeking a share of the estate, the situation quickly turns explosive — especially when lawyers appear to take sides or misrepresent key facts.

3. When Lawyers Are the Enemy

Legal advisors are often caught in the crossfire. In some cases, they are accused of:

Siphoning money from the estate.

Drafting suspicious wills or backdating documents.

Favouring certain heirs due to bribes or friendships.

As a result, heirs lose trust and initiate fresh legal battles — this time, not just against each other, but against the very professionals meant to safeguard justice.

4. Land, Greed, and Nairobi’s Goldmine Estates

Nairobi, Karen, Runda, and Mombasa properties are worth millions — and that’s where the biggest fights erupt. Suddenly, relatives who were absent during the deceased’s life show up with demands. In the Ndung’u family case, land stretching across prime Nairobi locations sparked a vicious feud, with siblings accusing each other of conspiracy and fraud.

Greed, not grief, becomes the driving force.

5. Family Businesses Become Battlefields

In elite families, succession often involves control of business empires. Some heirs want to run them, others want to sell. Power struggles break out, and businesses suffer in the process. In the Moi family, post-Moi-era disputes over real estate, education investments, and land holdings have played out with increasing tension — worsened by lack of clear succession plans.

6. Culture, Gender, and the Law

Many disputes also expose Kenya’s cultural fault lines. In some traditions, daughters are seen as outsiders and denied land inheritance. When empowered women challenge this in court — citing constitutional rights — elders cry foul. This friction often leads to bitter, long-term legal fights within families, made worse when lawyers are accused of betraying cultural values or the deceased’s “true” intentions.

7. Court Delays, Legal Loopholes, and Endless Appeals

The Kenyan legal system is slow, and some succession cases drag on for decades. This not only drains the estate but increases tension. When heirs feel exploited or misrepresented, they begin questioning lawyers’ competence or accusing them of collusion — dragging legal representatives into yet another web of court drama.

Prevention Is Better Than Court Battles

Rich families in Kenya can avoid these ugly disputes through proper estate planning. This includes:

Drafting a clear, updated will.

Appointing trusted and accountable executors.

Involving all stakeholders early in the process.

Holding family meetings to clarify succession plans.

Seeking independent legal advice with transparency.

In the end, wealth should bring peace and security — not court battles and broken families. As Kenya’s middle and upper class continues to grow, so too should awareness around proper succession planning.

Related article: Prenuptial Agreements in Kenya: Is a Prenuptial Agreement a Red Flag?

Related article: Polygamy in Kenya: A Look at Its Persistence, Impacts, and Legal Framework

Related article: How to Navigate Inheritance Laws When Buying Property in Kenya