Kirima kin agree to share wealth
What you need to know:
- As part of the deal, all Kirima’s children were given a Sh2 million grant each whereas a list of properties that had expired leases will be compiled and the lease extended.
- The remaining 14 acres occupied by squatters and which is the subject of a court case will also be distributed equally once the case is over.
The family of the late tycoon Gerishon Kirima Wednesday reached a deal on how to share his multi-billion estate, ending a three year battle that has played out in Nairobi and London.
(VIDEO: Family tussle over Kirima wealth)
In an agreement brokered by the High Court, the properties of the late Kirima were distributed among all the members of his family named as the beneficiaries.
The former MP’s widow, Ms Teresia Wairimu Kirima and one of his daughters Ms Anne Kirima will be the co-administrators of the estate.
“Both shall move with haste and conclude the distribution of the estate. I am happy that we have finally made headway in distributing the property. I want to believe that he can now rest in peace,” Mr Justice Isaac Lenaola said.
NEW BENEFICIARIES
As part of the deal, all Kirima’s children were given a Sh2 million grant each whereas a list of properties that had expired leases will be compiled and the lease extended.
The 15 beneficiaries were also awarded a Christmas bonus of Sh500, 000.
Other properties shared out include the one located at Njiru and Kariobangi which the court ordered should be sub-divided and distributed equally among all the beneficiaries.
More than 20 acres of land located in Kisaju, Kajiado, was also distributed equally.
The remaining 14 acres occupied by squatters and which is the subject of a court case will also be distributed equally once the case is over.
Addressing the media after the conclusion of the case, Ms Anne Kirima said the family was stronger than ever and that everyone including their stepmother Teresia Wairimu was contented.
“We are happy that our case took less time than we expected. Some have continued for over 35 years.
We thank the court and we want to tell Kenyans that the Kirima family will not fight again.”
Senior counsel Fred Ojiambo, representing Anne and James Njuguna Kirima said that several meetings were held by the family before the deal was signed. Among the contentious issues were the inclusion of others not previously involved in the case as beneficiaries and administrators.
Ms Wairimu lawyer Musalia Mwenesi proposed that Mr James Njuguna be included in the list of co-administrators but the court declined the proposal stating that the family had now reached a consensus and Mr Njuguna could only attend the meetings on the distribution of property if he wants.
Among the new beneficiaries was Ms Grace Warwathia, who was awarded a “reasonable provision” to cater for her living expenses abroad for the rest of her life.
She was not in the initial list of beneficiaries.
The case will be mentioned on 11 December to monitor how far Ms Wairimu and Ms Anne Kirima have gone with gathering the estate’s assets, liabilities and capitals.
