Ex-Kenyan Envoy Faces Battle Over Sh3 Billion Family Estate
The categorization will be mostly based on the academic institution’s resources and infrastructural capabilities.
The properties in question include over 100 acres of land in Eldoret as well as private schools, among other assets valued at millions of shillings, which were owned by his father-in-law, Edward Limo, a former well-known pastor in Eldoret.
Limo, a former pastor from the African Inland Church (AIC), was known for his philanthropy in Eldoret town and was closely connected with the late former President, Daniel Arap Moi.
Mr. Cheluget is married to Ruth Jeruto, who is Limo’s daughter, and they possess a portion of the disputed land that exceeds 1,000 acres.
Mr. Cheluget held the position of Kenya’s ambassador to both Zambia and Malawi, and he was also a Permanent Representative to Comesa. Additionally, he served as Kenya’s Deputy High Commissioner in New Delhi, India.
He and his wife also manage Eldoret Concord Girls High School, which is one of the contested properties situated on the extensive land within Eldoret town.
The contested land is home to several AIC institutions, including Kao la Amani Church and Kao la Amani Bible College. Additional assets on the Limo farm include a private hospital and two prestigious private educational establishments, Concord Boys and Concord Girls High Schools.
Elder Limo passed away on December 13, 2017. He established several organizations in the area, such as Chebisaas High School, and is known for providing shelter to girls escaping from female genital mutilation in Kerio Valley.
Mzee Limo was a father to 10 children—three sons and seven daughters, with six of them having passed away.
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His children and wider family have been involved in a dispute over managing and dividing the estate he left.
Following unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue through mediation outside of court, the family decided to pursue legal action in court over five years ago. The case is now being heard by Judge Reuben Nyakundi in Eldoret.
A month ago, Justice Nyakundi had to visit the contested estate to understand the situation firsthand.
During the court visit, Justice Nyakundi met with Pastor Limo’s family at his gravesite. He urged them to handle the situation calmly and ensure the dispute does not tarnish Pastor Limo’s legacy.
At the hearing on Thursday, Dr. Cheluget and his family members were present at the High Court, accompanied by around ten lawyers representing different stakeholders.
Ruth and Benjamin, the late pastor’s daughter-in-law and son, respectively, allege through affidavits that Ambassador Cheluget unlawfully obtained the title to the land where Concord Girls School is situated.
Attorney Karen Chesoo, representing Ruth and Benjamin, informed the judge that the title for the school property was transferred two years after Mzee Limo’s death. They are seeking to have the title revoked and the property returned to the estate for succession purposes.
A major dispute has arisen concerning the management of the two schools established by Mzee Limo, prompting Justice Nyakundi to mandate the addition of four estate administrators to the schools’ respective Boards of Management to maintain seamless operations.
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Dr. Cheluget informed the judge during the visit that he was also a part-owner of Concord Girls through his shares in the company.
“Your lordship, I have about 20 percent share in this secondary school which has since changed from Concord Girls High School to Edward Limo Educational Centre,” said the ex-envoy.
He informed the judge about how he transferred the property title deed to include both his name and his wife’s.
Ms. Ruth, represented by her lawyer Chesoo, contends that obtaining separate title deeds for the school would go against the wishes of her late father-in-law.
She contends that the four remaining children of the late Limo, who own shares in the school, each invested funds in building the school and each holds a 20 percent share.
She claimed that her father-in-law initiated the process to manage the school as a business.
The court is anticipated to guide on the issue within the next month.
Ex-Kenyan Envoy Faces Battle Over Sh3 Billion Family Estate