The High Court has ordered DNA tests on the children of the late Jonathan Moi, the eldest son of former President Daniel arap Moi, as a paternity dispute unfolds within the family.
Justice Eric Ogola issued the directive following a request by some of the estate’s beneficiaries. The DNA tests will involve 19 individuals who claim to be heirs to Jonathan Moi’s estate.
Jonathan, widely known as JT Moi, passed away in April 2019 and was laid to rest at his farm in Kabimoi, Eldama Ravine. After his death, the court granted his first wife, Sylvia, temporary authority to manage the estate, allowing her to pay outstanding bills and safeguard the family’s assets until the court issued a final ruling.
Later, the family agreed to appoint estate administrators from each of Jonathan’s four spouses to jointly manage the multi-billion-shilling inheritance.
However, a group of beneficiaries called for DNA testing, citing the late President Moi’s will, which reportedly stated that only his biological descendants should inherit his wealth.
“In terms of DNA, I have noted that almost all parties do not dispute DNA,” Justice Ogola observed.
“As such all parties claiming to be beneficiaries by virtue of being the children of the deceased be subjected to kinship/sibling DNA examination, to be conducted at the Lancet laboratory or at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).”
Justice Ogola also declined to nullify a consent order that the court had adopted in August 2023. That consent had formally recognized the 19 children as legal beneficiaries of Jonathan’s estate.
The judge scheduled the matter for mention on November 25 to give further directions. He also advised that any party seeking to appeal the court’s decision, or request to suspend the ruling pending appeal, must file a formal application.
