The family property thorn in Eugene Wamalwa's flesh

Kijana Wamalwa, Yvonne and Eugene (Photo: Courtesy)

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has been in the limelight over mistreatment claims against his elder brother's children. 

Although he has dismissed the claims as fake news, part of the late Kijana Wamalwa’s family has accused the CS of abandoning them.

Kijana Wamalwa’s son Derick Mboya has in the past accused Eugene of not playing his role and stepping up following his father’s death in 2003. He did not leave a will.

Part of Mboya’s complaints is the fact that he and his sister Michelle Nafuna, also known as Chichi, are being asked to leave their house.

Once their mother Yvonne Wamalwa died, the two moved in the Karen home after she was granted a letter of administration. The home is part of the feud that threatens to drive Chichi and Derrick out into the streets.

Willie Big, Willie Small, Alice and Yvonne. [Photo, Courtesy]

But Eugene’s allies have further defended him, saying when Yvonne came back to Kenya all misgivings were cleared.

“The issues were minor. They later met severally and had regular talks on the phone. It became a mutual friendship till her death,” the aide said.

The source says the relationship with the children had been sour even while Yvonne was still alive.

“Willie Big and Willie Small, her steps sons, were not in good terms with her previously. They felt abandoned when she went to live in Australia.”

Yvonne is said to have worked on her relationship with the children, which was sustained until her death.

Yvonne and Eugene at a social function. [Photo, Courtesy]

Eugene’s aide adds that as Yvonne’s health deteriorated, women from the Wamalwa family travelled to Nanyuki to Yvonne’s sister Stephanie’s house to visit, claims Willie Small agrees to.

Eugene is said to have once paid Sh800,000 hospital bill at Aga Khan, where Yvonne was being treated.

Eugene allegedly organised to have Yvonne’s younger sister Jacqueline given a job in Australia so that the children are cared for.

Speaking to Standard Digital, Willie Small on Friday said Chichi was not thrown out of school as claimed.

"She was taken out of school. They wanted to take her to Australia but a few things got in the way," he said.

Willie Small further revealed that he and his brother Willie Big were out of school for seven years.

When they reached out to CS Eugene, only two semesters at USIU were paid for in 2015-16.

Asked why he didn't come out with the information and feud earlier, Small said, "we didn't want to expose ourselves and our family to public ridicule".

The family seemed to paint a picture of an even bigger rift that goes beyond paying for education.

Small told Standard Digital that Chichi took out a Restraining Order against a number of the family members, including Eugene, in February 2019.

Eugene's aide says Chichi's fees was paid to GEMS School directly and faithfully.

CS Eugene Wamalwa and Chichi at GEMS School. [Photo, Courtesy]

Following Yvonne’s death in January 2018, Chichi believed she would leave for Australia, but none of that happened.

It is reported that Chichi and Derrick have not availed themselves at the Education ministry to clear details before travelling to Australia.

“Yes there is property at stake but all the children are equal and all should benefit equally,” the aide says.