DNA row emerges in Jonathan Moi's estate as son challenges mediation outcome

A son of the late Jonathan Kipkemboi Moi, who was a son of the late former president Daniel Arap Moi, has moved to court seeking an order for DNA testing of 19 individuals claiming to be beneficiaries of his father’s estate.

In his application, Clint Kiprono Moi argues that the necessity of sibling DNA tests to authenticate biological relationships will ensure that only rightful heirs partake in the estate's distribution.

This is after a mediation process identified 19 beneficiaries across four households, a report subsequently adopted by the High Court.

"We are [asking] court to prevent these individuals from making any claims on behalf of Jonathan Moi's estate until the matter is conclusively resolved", Kiprono states in court documents.

However, Clint challenges the mediation's validity, arguing that decisions were made through voting rather than consensus and that he was absent during these deliberations.

He contends that some recognised beneficiaries are not biologically related to his late father.

When the matter came before Justice Erick Ogolla, the defence lawyer opposed the application.

Lawyer Duncan Okatch, representing the third wife of Jonathan Moi, highlighted the urgency of accessing estate funds for pressing needs, including medical treatment for a minor suffering from stage 2 cancer.

"Because of this stalemate, we are unable to move. Adopted or not adopted, they are all children of the deceased. It is in the public domain that there is a minor who is unwell," Okatch said.

They argue that the estate's distribution is already underway, with 20 per cent of the late President Moi's estate allocated to Jonathan Moi's beneficiaries.

"Moi was very clear in his will since he directed his estate should go to his bloodline. The issue of DNA should be done to deal with the issue," the court was told.

Justice Eric Ogola is scheduled to rule on Clint Moi's application for DNA testing on June 26, 2025.