By ALPHONSE MUNGAHU
A seven-year succession dispute over the multimillion-shilling estate of the late Christine Mbugua has taken a fresh twist, with one of the beneficiaries’ daughters challenging the disclosure of properties earmarked for distribution.
Wanjiku Mwangi Mbugua, daughter of beneficiary Daniel Mwangi Mbugua, questioned her uncle, Joseph Mbai Mbugua, over missing title deeds, bank statements and rental income records during proceedings before Justice Rose Akinyi.
Wanjiku put Joseph on the spot over the disposal of the prime Paradise Lost property in Kiambu County, seeking to establish whether the transaction had been undertaken with the knowledge and consent of all beneficiaries.
She also demanded an explanation over the alleged omission of two prime properties in Mombasa from the list of assets proposed for distribution, asking Joseph to disclose how much rental income the properties generated each month.
The court also heard questions regarding the late Christine’s interests in a coffee mill and shares in another coffee milling company, with Joseph declining to provide details of his knowledge of the businesses.
Wanjiku further challenged Joseph over an affidavit on the proposed distribution of the estate, questioning why documents had been sworn and signed on behalf of her father without his consent to the proposed mode of distribution.
However, Joseph maintained that all beneficiaries had agreed on the distribution plan.
He also argued that some of the disputed properties belonged to Dunde Company, a separate entity with four directors, including the late Christine.
The court heard that the beneficiaries had yet to convene and reach a fresh agreement on the distribution of the estate amid persistent disagreements within the family.
The beneficiaries are Isaac Gichial Mbugua, Joseph Mbai Mbugua, Elizabeth Wanjiku, Daniel Mwangi Mbugua, and the late Catherine Wanjiru Mbugua and Gladys Wangari Mbugua.
The contested assets include an interest in Paradise Lost in Kiambu County, two prime properties in Mombasa and five bank accounts, among other assets.
The dispute remains before the court, with the parties contesting the disclosure of assets and the proposed distribution of the estate.
