Eldoret women take on brother over Sh2b

The High Court has extended interim orders barring any transactions on the estate of the late Ezekiel Barnge'tuny and frozen all accounts pending hearing of a case involving his children.

The late politician's three daughters and a daughter in-law moved to court after they failed to agree on how to share out their father's property estimated at close to Sh2 billion. The property includes vast agricultural land and commercial buildings, including the multi-storey Barng'etuny Plaza in Eldoret.

They accuse Erick, their only brother, of assuming absolute authority over their father's assets and denying them access and benefits to the family wealth.

Vivienne Barng'etuny, a daughter in-law of the deceased, moved to court in 2014 alleging that she was chased from her matrimonial home by Erick after her husband died.

Vivienne is the widow of late Ken Barng'etuny, the last-born son of Mr Barng'etuny. Ken left behind two daughters and a son, who, their mother argues, have a right to get their father's inheritance.

In 2015, Ogla Missoi, Joyce Chumba and Doreen Kogo, Barng'etuny's three daughters, filed another suit accusing Erick of taking over all the family property.

The case was enjoined in court on December 15, 2015 when orders freezing all accounts involving the assets of Barng'etuny were issued although the defendant filed an objection to reverse the interim orders.

William Arusei, the counsel for the plaintiffs, said his clients are seeking for equal distribution of the family wealth in accordance with Article 27 of the Constitution, which outlaws discrimination in succession of family property.