A bitter succession dispute over the estate of the late Joseph Murori Mbochi unfolded dramatically at the Githunguri Law Courts, where rival families clashed over the authenticity and validity of a contested will allegedly prepared shortly before the deceased’s death.
The matter, which is being heard before Principal Magistrate Moses Wanjala, revolves around claims that the disputed will failed to properly account for all beneficiaries and may have been drafted under questionable circumstances while the deceased was seriously ill.
Lawyers representing the objectors told the court that they were challenging the legality of the will, arguing that several critical issues had not been considered in the document said to have been authored by the late retired teacher.
The hearing on Thursday focused on witnesses supporting the will, whose testimony was concluded before the court scheduled the next phase of the case for November 13, 2026, when the objectors are expected to begin presenting their evidence.
The succession battle pits the deceased’s legally recognized widow, Tabitha Murori, against Lucy Njeri Murori, who is named in the disputed will as another wife and beneficiary of the estate.
During tense cross-examination sessions, lawyers opposing the will sought to cast doubt on Lucy Njeri’s claims of a customary marriage to the deceased. Questions were raised regarding the process through which she allegedly changed her name to adopt that of the deceased despite the absence of a marriage certificate.
Under questioning, Lucy admitted that she could not recall all the documents she submitted at the registry during the name change process, insisting that the decision had largely been influenced by the deceased himself.
The court also heard sharp exchanges over handwritten documents allegedly linked to family negotiations and property distribution. Lawyers representing the objectors questioned the authenticity of handwritten “minutes” presented before the court, with Lucy Njeri conceding that she did not know who authored the documents.
The witness told the court that she had merely been informed the notes were written at their home, but could not identify the writer or confirm the circumstances under which they were prepared.
Further scrutiny emerged over a handwritten property list reportedly written in Kikuyu language and allegedly connected to the contested will. Lawyers challenging the document argued that the deceased was highly educated and questioned why such an important record would appear in informal handwritten form rather than in a professionally prepared legal format.
The court was also drawn into a debate surrounding family lineage and naming traditions after lawyers questioned the absence of Kikuyu cultural naming patterns among some of the children associated with the union.
Additional controversy arose over the issue of paternity after the court heard claims that birth certificates for two children linked to Lucy Njeri were allegedly obtained years after the children had already completed their education.
The objectors further argued that the deceased had suffered a stroke and was critically ill during the period the will was allegedly drafted, raising serious concerns about whether he possessed the mental and physical capacity to fully comprehend and approve the contents of the document.
Lawyers representing the opposing side also faulted the advocate said to have prepared the will, arguing that adequate due diligence may not have been conducted regarding the deceased’s assets, dependents and family structure before the document was finalized.
The hearing attracted considerable interest from family members and members of the public as both sides traded accusations over the authenticity of the contested will and the legitimacy of beneficiaries named in it.
The case is expected to continue on November 13, 2026, when the court will hear testimony from witnesses opposing the will in what is shaping up to be a protracted and highly contested succession battle.
