Family of the late Jackson Kibor seeks out-of-court settlement of property row

The row surrounding the multi-billion property of the late Eldoret prominent farmer Jackson Kibor has taken another twist after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) forensic experts said that the will was forged.

This revelation comes following orders issued in succession case No. E049/2022 by the High Court in Eldoret, directing a forensic examination to assess the legitimacy of the will. 

The court order, dated April 17, 2024, was granted after months of escalating tension within Kibor’s family over his vast estate, estimated to be worth billions of shillings.

According to a forensic report from the DCI, the forgery allegedly took place on February 27, 2021, on a Saturday outside the Environment and Lands Court Eldoret.

The will is said to have been drawn by Bundotich Korir & Company Advocates and witnessed by two(2) lawyers.

Key documents scrutinized in the investigation included a series of critical records, such as a lease agreement for Eldoret Municipality Block 14/380, a transfer record for Block 14/379, and several sale agreements, some dating back to 1994. 

The documents were compared against verified samples of Kibor’s handwriting and signature, which revealed significant inconsistencies. The findings show a clear case of forgery, a violation under Section 350 of the Penal Code.

In light of the revelations, Kibor’s family, led by his children Ms Loise Kibor, Ms Magdaline Kibor, and Mr Albert Kibor, have made a public appeal for unity and a peaceful resolution.

Magdaline emphasized the family’s desire to fulfill her father’s wish to avoid lengthy court battles. 

"Our late father always advised us to stay united and avoid conflict. Now that it has been confirmed the will was forged, we hope to start a new chapter where we can sit together as a family and come to a fair agreement. The estate is substantial, and we believe there is enough for everyone without resorting to animosity," said Magdaline. 

Loise, who is one of the respondents in the high-profile succession case, disclosed that much of her father’s movable assets had already been sold prior to his passing, reportedly by his fourth wife, Euniter Kibor, who had presented the disputed will to the court. 

“Many assets were disposed of before my father’s death. However, now we’re focused on coming together to divide what remains in a fair manner, ensuring that each of his wives and children is represented in the agreement. This is not just about property—it’s about respecting our father’s legacy and preserving peace within the family," said Loise.

Echoing the sentiments, Albert underscored the family’s commitment to reconciliation, stating that they are hopeful an out-of-court settlement will foster unity rather than create divisions in the family.

“It’s essential that we honor our father’s legacy by maintaining the harmony he valued so much. As a family, we’ve been through enough, and we owe it to him and to ourselves to resolve this peacefully,” Albert stated.

The succession dispute dates back to March 17, 2022, when Kibor passed away at the age of 88. 

Since his passing, Kibor’s family has faced ongoing disputes over his estate, which is said to be worth Sh16 billion. 

The dispute intensified when the fourth wife (read widow), Euniter, presented a will claiming substantial portions of the estate. 

This document, now proven to be fraudulent, was promptly disowned by the rest of the family, leading to a formal petition for the will’s forensic analysis.

In January 2024, Justice Reuben Nyakundi, presiding over the High Court in Eldoret, ordered the DCI to conduct an in-depth forensic examination of the will. 

Kibor’s children and close relatives are now appealing to the court to allow them to pursue an amicable settlement outside the legal system, which they believe will prevent further conflict and honour Kibor’s wishes.

“Our father wanted us to be united, and that is what we intend to do now. This is a difficult time for all of us, but we are committed to finding a solution that respects his legacy and ensures that no family member feels sidelined or taken advantage of," said Loise.

In response to the DCI’s findings, the family is preparing to propose a division of the estate that will be equitable and in line with Kibor’s values of fairness and integrity. 

Mr Kibor was among the wealthiest farmers in the North Rift owning more than 4,000 acres of land and other properties, including real estate in several parts of the country.