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A former Kenyan envoy to Zambia has been caught up in a bitter legal succession battle over the share of a Sh3 billion estate of his father in-law, the late Edward Limo.

Retired Ambassador Kipyego Cheluget is married to one the deceased’s daughters, Ruth Jeruto and together, they own part of the more than 700 acres of the property at the centre of dispute.

He also formerly served as the Deputy High Commissioner of Kenya to New Delhi, India.

The former envoy and his wife are also directors of Concord Girls High School that forms part of the disputed multi-billion shilling assets left behind by the deceased.

Cheluget claimed that he has 20 per cent shares in the disputed school which was constructed by his father in-law over the two decades ago.

Other mega projects on the disputed land include the African Inland Church (AIC), Kao la Amani Church and Kao la Amani Bible College.

The land also hosts a private hospital, two high end private learning institutions, namely Concord Boys and Concord Girls High schools respectively.

Limo died on December 13, 2017 leaving the vast estate.

He was a prominent personality in the region and a close associate of former President the late Daniel Arap Moi.

Mzee Limo founded several institutions in the region including the Chebisas High School and is also remembered for hosting girls who were running away from outdated female genital mutilation in Kerio Valley.

Vulnerable families

However, the children who came from vulnerable family backgrounds were kicked out of the deceased home by his children after his burial.

The late Limo had 10 children including three boys and seven girls but six of them have since passed on.

His family is engaged in a vicious legal battle over sharing of the estate he left behind.

The Presiding Judge Reuben Nyakundi who is hearing the matter visited the estate two months ago and held a meeting with the family at the grave site of the late Limo as part of the succession case before him.

Yesterday the family members including the former ambassador were at the High Court in Eldoret for the hearing of the succession case that has also attracted more than eight lawyers representing various interested parties.

Through sworn affidavits some of the family members including Ruth Limo who is the late Limo’s daughter in-law and Benjamin Limo who is a son to the deceased, have accused the former ambassador of illegally acquiring a title for the land where Concord Girls schools is located.

Lawyer Karen Chesoo representing Ruth and Benjamin told the judge that

the title for the school land was transferred two years after Limo’s death and they want the title revoked and the asset reverted to the estate. “Who is ambassador Cheluget in the family”, asked Justice Nyakundi.

Chesoo informed the Judge that he was a son in law to the late Limo. She said the ambassador was involved in the transfer of the title.

“We want the title revoked before the main succession case is heard”, said Chesoo.