Drama ensued at Eldoret High Court after a man publicly disowned his alleged biological father in a succession dispute over a Sh500 million estate of a former prominent farmer in the region, the late Kireger Kutto.
The man in question, Jonah Ruto claimed in court that he was an adopted son to the late Kireger Kutto and deserves a share of the estate in dispute.
Ruto shocked the trial Judge after denying that he is one of the children of Philip Kutto who is the son of the deceased.
Ruto proceeded to refer to Philip his alleged father as his brother despite him insisting that Ruto is his biological son.
Ruto moved to court arguing that he should be listed as a direct beneficiary of the estate by being Kireger’s adopted son.
Justice Reuben Nyakundi who is hearing the case termed the matter as complicated and directed Ruto to bring to court an elder who is an expert on customary laws related to the adoption of children in the Nandi community.
Justice Nyakundi stated that the elder must be a person who is well-conversant with all the aspects of Nandi culture, specifically issues related to the adoption of children.
“Customary law is very complicated and that is why we need an expert to come and shed light to the court on how it is done to enable the court to arrive at an informed decision/judgment when dealing with such complex matters,” ruled Justice Nyakundi.
He (Ruto) accused his alleged father, Phillip, of sidelining him in the distribution of the deceased’s estate including land located in Uasin Gishu County.
The deceased died 19 years ago at the age of 99 without a will.
He left behind four widows, namely Sarah, Rebecca, Mary and Esther and 27 children among them Philip Kutto who is the eldest among his siblings.
The deceased also left behind more than 50 grandchildren among them Jonah Ruto who is embroiled in a bitter succession court battle with his father over the distribution of the estate.
Philip and his young brother Daniel Kiplagat had been granted letters of administration to run and manage the estate of their late father.
Ruto however moved to court to stop distribution of the estate.
He filed the petition in court seeking a share of the deceased’s estate as one of his sons.
