In re Estate of the Late Hezekiah Macharia Kiruki alias Hezekiah Macharia

vi. Alice Nyambura Macharia -deceased -daughter vii. Lucy Wangui – Deceased - daughter viii. Susan Wanjiku Macharia – deceased - daughter ix. Ruth Wairimu Macharia - daughter 3rd House x. Ann Wanjiku Warui - wife xi. David Warui Macharia – son It was stated that the deceased children of the deceased left behind the following persons:- xii. Alice Nyambura Macharia left behind:- xiii. Hezekiah Macharia Kiruki xiv. Lucy Wangui left behind:- xv. Julius Kariuki Muchiri xvi. Martha Wanjiku Muchiri xvii. Mary Wambui Muchiri xviii. Susan Wanjiku Macharia left behind:- xix. Dennis Matere Gathuru xx. Fidelis Wairimu Gathuru It was deponed that the estate if the deceased comprised the following properties:- xxi. Nyandarua/Silanga/63 xxii. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/338 (Nguba) xxiii. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/339 (Nguba) xxiv. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/132 (Nguba) xxv. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/133 (Nguba) xxvi. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/134 (Nguba) xxvii. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/135 (Nguba) xxviii. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/136 (Nguba) xxix. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/137 (Nguba) xxx. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/138 (Nguba) xxxi. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/167 (Nguba) xxxii. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/192 (Nguba) https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2024/16156/eng@2024-12-20 2

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xxxiii. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/191 (Nguba) xxxiv. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/70 (Nguba) xxxv. Subukia/Subukia Block 11/26 (Gituamba) xxxvi. Bahati/Engashura/Block 4/43 (Matete) xxxvii. L.R No. 3777/279/34 (Olkalou) xxxviii. L.R No. 7338/3 (Olkalou) xxxix. L.R No. 21720/1 (3771/279/38) (Olkalou) 3. xl. KCB Bank shares – 35,489 xli. Safaricom shares – 8,500 xlii. Kengen shares – 3,309 xliii. Carbacid shares xliv. Postal Corporation shares It was asserted that the identification and shares of persons beneficially entitled to the said estate have been ascertained and determined as follows:I. Nyandarua/Silanga/63 II. Elizabeth Njeri Kamau – 2.8 acres III. George Thuo Macharia – 2.8 acres IV. Ruth Wairimu Macharia – 2.8 acres V. Hezekiah Macharia Kiruki – 2.8 acres VI. Julius Kariuki Muchiri } VII. Martha Wanjiku Muchiri } VIII. Mary Wambui Muchiri }– 2.8 acres IX. Dennis Matere Gathuru } X. Fidelis Wairimu Gathuru }– 2.8 acres XI. Nyandarua/Silanga/63 XII. John Thuo Macharia } XIII. Margaret Njeri Macharia } 17 acres XIV. Esther Wambui Macharia } XV. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/338 (Nguba). XVI. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/339 (Nguba). XVII. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/138 (Nguba). XVIII. Anne Wanjiku Warui https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2024/16156/eng@2024-12-20 3

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XIX. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/132 (Nguba) XX. George Thuo Macharia XXI. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/133 (Nguba). XXII. Elizabeth Njeri Kamau XXIII. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/134 (Nguba). XXIV. Martha Wanjiku Muchiri } XXV. Julius Kariuki Muchiri } XXVI. Mary Wambui Muchiri }-jointly XXVII.Subukia/Subukia Block 6/135 (Nguba). XXVIII.Dennis Matere Gathuru } XXIX. Fidelis Wairimu Gathuru } jointly XXX. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/136 (Nguba). XXXI. Hezekiah Macharia Kiruki XXXII.Subukia/Subukia Block 6/137 (Nguba). S XXXIII.David Warui Macharia XXXIV.Subukia/Subukia Block 6/191 (Nguba) XXXV.Ruth Wairimu Macharia XXXVI.Subukia/Subukia Block 6/192 (Nguba). XXXVII. Margaret Njeri Macharia XXXVIII. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/167 (Nguba). XXXIX.John Thuo Macharia- ½ Acre. XL. Margaret Njeri Macharia- ½ Acre XLI. Esther Wambui Macharia – ½ Acre XLII. George Thuo Macharia – ½ Acre XLIII. Elizabeth Njeri Kamau- ½ Acre XLIV. Ruth Wairimu Macharia- ½ Acre XLV. Hezekiah Macharia Kiruki- ½ Acre XLVI. Martha Wanjiku Muchiri } XLVII. Julius Kariuki Muchiri } XLVIII.Mary Wambui Muchiri }-½ Acre Jointly XLIX. Dennis Matere Gathuru } https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2024/16156/eng@2024-12-20 4

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L. Fidelis Wairimu Gathuru }-½ Acre Jointly LI. Anne Wanjiku Warui- Widow- ½ Acre LII. David Warui Macharia-½ Acre LIII. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/70 (Nguba). LIV. Esther Wambui Macharia LV. Subukia/Subukia Block 11/26 (Gituamba). LVI. Margaret Njeri Macharia-5 Acres LVII. John Thuo Macharia-1 Acre LVIII. Elizabeth Njeri Kamau-1 Acre LIX. Esther Wambui Macharia-1 Acre LX. Ruth Wairimu Macharia- ½ Acre LXI. Dennis Matere Gathuru} LXII. Fidelis Wairimu Gathuru } ½ Acre Jointly LXIII. Bahati/Engarusha/Block 4/43 (Matete) LXIV. John Thuo Macharia LXV. LR 3777/279/34 (Ol Kalou) LXVI. John Thuo Macharia- Absolutely LXVII. LR 7338/3 (Ol Kalou) LXVIII.Elizabeth Njeri Kamau LXIX. Hezekiah Macharia Kiruki LXX. Dennis Matere Gathuru LXXI. George Thuo Macharia LXXII.(In equal share) LXXIII.L.R No 21720/1(3771/279/38) Ol Kalou LXXIV.Margaret Njeri Macharia LXXV. Ruth Wairimu Macharia LXXVI.Esther Wambui Macharia LXXVII. Martha Wanjiku Muchiri LXXVIII. (In equal share) LXXIX.KCB Bank shares-35,489. LXXX.Safaricom shares-8,500 https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2024/16156/eng@2024-12-20 5

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LXXXI.Kengen shares -3,309 LXXXII. Carbacid shares LXXXIII. Postal Corporation shares LXXXIV. Ruth Wairimu Macharia (as trustee for all beneficiaries) Proposed Distribution by Protestor 4. The protestor filed her proposed mode of distribution dated 15th September 2024. It was deponed that in the application made by the Administrators John Thuo Macharia, Ann Wanjiku Warui and Elizabeth Njeri Kamau the mode of distribution of the Estate is unfair and ignores the provisions of the Law of Succession of intestate estate of a deceased person in Kenya. It was argued that the said Administrators have dishonestly allocated the majority of the estate to themselves to the detriment of the other beneficiaries. 5. The protestor asserted that Nyahururu Resident Magistrate Court issued orders on 23 May 2023 which necessitated updating the proposal to reflect the orders including the submitted valuation report. That all monies which were not accounted and distributed equally to the beneficiaries by the widow Ann Warui, and Hezekiah Macharia Kiruki have been deducted from their share of the properties. The protestors proposal was as follows:6. That one acre from the property described as Nyandarua /Silanga/63 is reserved for family house. This is the family home of the Late Hezekiah Macharia Kiruki at Olkalou which is expected to remain as the family home on behalf of all the beneficiaries. 7. The property named Subukia/Subukia/Block 6/338 consists of the family home in Subukia. This is the matrimonial home the late Hezekiah Macharia shared with the widow. The house has been allocated to the widow to continue living there. 8. The widow had expressed her wish to be allocated properties in Subukia only. The allocation of the properties to David Warui is regarded for the purpose of this succession proceedings as joint property for him and his mother Ann Warui. 9. In the property Subukia/Subukia 6/11/26 (Gituamba) is 2,079 Acres reserved for the dam in the property. 10. The constructions in the property Subukia /Subukia 6/11/26 (Gituamba) is the property of Margret Njeri Macharia. https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2024/16156/eng@2024-12-20 6

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13. Nyandarua/ Silanga/63 36 acres Margaret Macharia 4 acres Njeri Esther Wambui John Thuo Macharia 4 acres 4 acres Elizabeth Kamau Njeri 4 acres George Macharia Thuo 4 acres Alice Nyambura Macharia 4 acres Lucy Wangui Muchiri (deceased) represented by Martha Wanjiku Muchiri, Julius Kariuki Muchiri and Mary Wambui Muchiri 4 acres Susan Wanjiku Macharia (deceased) represented by Dennis Matere Gathuru & Fidelis Wairimu Gathuru 4 acres Ruth Macharia Wairimu 1 acre All jointly beneficiaries 1 acre including the family house 23. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/132 (Nguba) 0.1604ha George Macharia Thuo Whole 24. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/133 (Nguba) 0.490ha John Thuo Macharia Whole 25. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/134 (Nguba) 0.480ha Margaret Macharia Whole https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2024/16156/eng@2024-12-20 Njeri 7

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26. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/135 (Nguba) 0.480ha Esther Wambui Whole 27. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/136 (Nguba) 0.480ha Alice Nyambura Macharia Whole 28. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/137 (Nguba) 0.4804ha Elizabeth Kamau Njeri Whole 29. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/138 (Nguba) 0.480ha Ruth Macharia Wairimu Whole 30. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/191 (Nguba) 0.460ha Lucy Wangui Muchiri (deceased) represented by Martha Wanjiku Muchiri, Julius Kariuki Muchiri and Mary Wambui Muchiri Whole 31. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/193 (Nguba) 0.460ha Susan Wanjiku Macharia (deceased) represented by Dennis Matere Gathuru & Fidelis Wairimu Gathuru Whole 32. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/70(Nguba) 0.0600ha Ann Warui Warui/David Whole 33. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/338 (Nguba) 0.1900ha Ann Warui Warui/David Whole 35. Land Ref No. 3777/279/34 Olkalou Margaret Macharia Njeri In equal shares 36. Land Ref No. 7338/3 Nyandarua Lucy Wangui Muchiri (deceased) represented by Martha Wanjiku Muchiri, Julius Kariuki Muchiri and Mary Wambui Muchiri In equal shares Esther Wambui Alice Nyambura Macharia https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2024/16156/eng@2024-12-20 8

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37. Land Ref No. 21720/1 (3771/279/38) Olkalou Elizabeth Kamau Njeri George Macharia Thuo 38. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/339 (Nguba) 0.1654ha In equal shares Ruth Macharia Wairimu In equal shares Susan Wanjiku Macharia (deceased) represented by Dennis Matere Gathuru & Fidelis Wairimu Gathuru 39. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/167 (Nguba) 2.160ha Margaret Macharia ½ acre Njeri Esther Wambui Elizabeth Kamau John Thuo Macharia ½ acre (5,22 acres) ½ acre Njeri ½ acre 43. Alice Nyambura Macharia Lucy Wangui Muchiri (deceased) represented by Martha Wanjiku Muchiri, Julius Kariuki Muchiri and Mary Wambui Muchiri ½ acre Susan Wanjiku Macharia (deceased) represented by Dennis Matere Gathuru & Fidelis Wairimu Gathuru ½ acre Ruth Macharia ½ acre Wairimu https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2024/16156/eng@2024-12-20 9

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Ann Warui Warui/David George Macharia ½ acre Thuo ½ acre 49. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/11/26 (Gituamba) 5.7ha John Thuo Macharia 1 acre Esther Wambui 1 acre Elizabeth Kamau 14.079 acres Njeri 1 acre Alice Nyambura Macharia 1 acre Lucy Wangui Muchiri (deceased) represented by Martha Wanjiku Muchiri, Julius Kariuki Muchiri and Mary Wambui Muchiri 1 acre Susan Wanjiku Macharia (deceased) represented by Dennis Matere Gathuru & Fidelis Wairimu Gathuru 1 acre Ruth Macharia Wairimu 1 acre Warui/David 2 acres Ann Warui George Macharia Thuo Reserved for the dam in the property Margaret Macharia Njeri 2 acres 1 acre 2.079 acres https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2024/16156/eng@2024-12-20 10

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60. Bahati/ Engarusha/Block 4/43 (Matete) 0.0450ha Ruth Macharia Wairimu 61. Ordinary Shares Absa Bank Ann Warui Kenya Airways John Thuo Macharia Carbacid, Kengen Margaret Macharia Njeri Kcb, Equity Elizabeth Kamau Njeri Safaricom 66. Ruth Wairimu Macharia 67. In equal shares Ann Warui In equal shares Whole In equal shares 70. Susan Wanjiku Macharia (deceased) represented by Dennis Matere Gathuru & Fidelis Wairimu Gathuru 74. Lucy Wangui Muchiri (deceased) represented by Martha Wanjiku Muchiri, Julius Kariuki Muchiri and Mary Wambui Muchiri 76. Unclaimed dividends John Thuo Macharia Ruth Macharia Wairimu Elizabeth Kamau Njeri Susan Wanjiku Macharia (deceased) represented by Dennis Matere Gathuru & Fidelis Wairimu Gathuru Lucy Wangui Muchiri (deceased) https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2024/16156/eng@2024-12-20 11

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represented by Martha Wanjiku Muchiri, Julius Kariuki Muchiri and Mary Wambui Muchiri 77. Cash at bank All beneficiaries In equal shares 78. Cash at bank from joint account Ann Warui Balance shares Warui/David Margaret Macharia in equal Njeri John Thuo Macharia Esther Wambui Elizabeth Kamau Njeri Alice Nyambura Macharia Susan Wanjiku Macharia (deceased) represented by Dennis Matere Gathuru & Fidelis Wairimu Gathuru Lucy Wangui Muchiri (deceased) represented by Martha Wanjiku Muchiri, Julius Kariuki Muchiri and Mary Wambui Muchiri Ruth Macharia Wairimu Objector’s Submissions 11. It was stated that the deceased had three wives, two of whom are now deceased, leaving behind 14 beneficiaries. The beneficiaries are listed as follows:I. John Thuo Macharia II. Margaret Njeri Macharia III. Esther Wambui https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2024/16156/eng@2024-12-20 12

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12. IV. Elizabeth Njeri Kamau V. George Thuo Macharia VI. Alice Nyambura Macharia VII. Dennis Matere Gathuru VIII. Fidelis Wairimu Gathuru IX. Ruth Wairimu Macharia X. Martha Wanjiku Muchiri XI. Julius Kariuki Muchiri XII. Mary Wambui Muchiri XIII. Ann Warui XIV. David Warui Further, the estate of the deceased comprises the following properties:i. Nyandarua/Silanga/63 (36 acres) ii. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 167, 191, 192, 70, 338, 339 (Guba) iii. L.R No. 3777/279/34 (Olkalou) iv. L.R No. 7338/3 (Nyandarua) v. L.R No. 21720/1 (3771/279/38) (Olkalou) vi. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/11/26 [Gituamba) vii. Bahati/Engashura/Block 4/43 (Matete) viii. Ordinary shares at Absa Bank Ltd, Kenya Airways Ltd, Carbacid Ltd, Kengen Ltd, KCB Bank Ltd, Equity Bank Ltd, Safaricom Ltd, Eveready East Africa Ltd ix. Unclaimed dividends x. Cash in the bank 13. The objector enumerated her proof and mode of distribution which in many ways is agreeable that their father's widow gets the house in Subukia and in Subukia/Subukia Block 6/11 whose share is reserved for a dam. They however rely entirely on the objector's affidavit as facts. 14. It was submitted that the beneficiaries are unable to agree on the sharing of the estate. Consequently, the distribution of the estate should be governed by the provisions of the Law of Succession Act. Reliance was placed on Section 38 of the Law of Succession Act. It was contended that the principle of equality should be applied in the distribution of the deceased's estate. Every beneficiary should receive an equal share in each and every property listed above. 15. The Objector prayed that this honourable court be pleased to:- 16. Order the equal distribution of all the assets among all the beneficiaries. https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2024/16156/eng@2024-12-20 13

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17. Direct that every beneficiary receives an equal share in each and every property comprising the estate. 18. The objector prayed that this court upholds the provisions of the Law of Succession Act and grant the orders sought herein for the fair and equitable distribution of the deceased's estate. 19. It was stated that the objector's contention is, since the estate has been formerly identified and there is no dispute as to what constitutes the estate of the deceased, the same should be distributed equally among all the beneficiaries considering there is no dispute as to whom is and who is not the beneficiary. Reliance was placed on Justus Thiora Kiugu & 4 Others vs Joyie Nkatha Kiungu & Another (2015) eKLR 20. It was submitted that where a property cannot be sub-divided the same can be sold and proceeds distributed among the beneficiaries. Analysis and Determination 21. Having considered the petitioners summons, the protest herein and the respective proposed modes of distribution for the deceased’s estate, the main issues for determination herein is which mode of distribution is fair? 22. It is not disputed that the beneficiaries of the estate are as follows:I. John Thuo Macharia II. Margaret Njeri Macharia III. Esther Wambui IV. Elizabeth Njeri Kamau V. George Thuo Macharia VI. Alice Nyambura Macharia -deceased VII. Lucy Wangui – Deceased VIII. Susan Wanjiku Macharia – deceased IX. Ruth Wairimu Macharia X. Ann Wanjiku Warui XI. David Warui Macharia 23. It is also undisputed that the deceased children left behind the following representatives:- 24. Alice Nyambura Macharia left behind:I. Hezekiah Macharia Kiruki II. Lucy Wangui left behind:- III. Julius Kariuki Muchiri IV. Martha Wanjiku Muchiri V. Mary Wambui Muchiri VI. Susan Wanjiku Macharia left behind:- https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2024/16156/eng@2024-12-20 14

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25. VII. Dennis Matere Gathuru VIII. Fidelis Wairimu Gathuru The deceased’s assets were identified as follows:I. Nyandarua/Silanga/63 II. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/338 (Nguba) III. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/339 (Nguba) IV. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/132 (Nguba) V. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/133 (Nguba) VI. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/134 (Nguba) VII. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/135 (Nguba) VIII. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/136 (Nguba) IX. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/137 (Nguba) X. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/138 (Nguba) XI. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/167 (Nguba) XII. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/192 (Nguba) XIII. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/191 (Nguba) XIV. Subukia/Subukia Block 6/70 (Nguba) XV. Subukia/Subukia Block 11/26 (Gituamba) XVI. Bahati/Engashura/Block 4/43 (Matete) XVII. L.R No. 3777/279/34 (Olkalou) XVIII. L.R No. 7338/3 (Olkalou) XIX. L.R No. 21720/1 (3771/279/38) (Olkalou) XX. KCB Bank shares XXI. Safaricom shares XXII. Kengen shares XXIII. Carbacid shares XXIV. Postal Corporation shares XXV. Cash in bank 26. Section 40 of the Law of Succession Act provides that:1. Where an intestate has married more than once under any system of law permitting polygamy, his personal and household effects and the residue of the net intestate estate shall, in the first https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2024/16156/eng@2024-12-20 15

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instance, be divided among the houses according to the number of children in each house, but also adding any wife surviving him as an additional unit to the number of children. 2. The distribution of the personal and household effects and the residue of the net intestate estate within each house shall then be in accordance with the rules set out in sections 35 to 38. 27. Having analyzed both the petitioners and protestors mode of distribution, it is my considered opinion that the protestor’s proposal comes close to the equitable distribution envisioned under Section 40 of the Law of Succession Act. However, it is my view and finding that ; i. The shares in different institutions, unclaimed dividends and cash at bank shall be shared among all the beneficiaries in equal shares. ii. That the estate of the deceased will be distributed in accordance with the proposed mode of distribution of the petitioners save that the shares held in different institutions, unclaimed dividends and cash at bank shall be shared among all the beneficiaries in equal shares. DATED AND DELIVERED AT NYANDARUA THIS20TH DAY OF DECEMBER 2024. ……………………………………… CHARLES KARIUKI JUDGE https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2024/16156/eng@2024-12-20 16

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