By KELVIN SANG, Eldoret
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed that the will of the late Jackson Kiprotich Kibor, a renowned Uasin Gishu farmer and influential politician, was forged. This revelation follows a court-ordered forensic examination in the ongoing succession case (No. E049/2022), after mounting tensions within Kibor’s family over his estate, valued in the billions.
The forensic report, released by the DCI, indicates that the document in question was forged on February 27, 2021.
The will, which was allegedly prepared by Bundotich Korir & Company Advocates and witnessed by two lawyers outside the Environment and Land Court in Eldoret, was found to contain significant discrepancies when compared to Kibor’s authentic handwriting and signature.
The examination focused on key documents, including a lease agreement for Eldoret Municipality Block 14/380, a transfer record for Block 14/379, and various sale agreements dating back to 1994. Investigators concluded that the document had been falsified under Section 350 of the Penal Code.
The will, which was presented to the court by Kibor’s fourth wife, Euniter Kibor, had caused a rift in the family, leading to a prolonged legal battle over the deceased’s substantial estate. Kibor’s children, including Loise, Magdaline, and Albert Kibor, have publicly called for unity within the family and expressed their hopes for a peaceful resolution.
Speaking to Splash Media, Magdaline Kibor expressed optimism for a peaceful outcome. “Our father always advised us to stay united and avoid conflict,” she said. “Now that the will has been confirmed as a forgery, we hope to start a new chapter where we can sit together and come to a fair agreement. The estate is substantial, and we believe there is enough for everyone without resorting to animosity.”
Loise Kibor, one of the respondents in the case, raised concerns about the sale of many of her father’s movable assets prior to his passing, which she alleges were disposed of by Euniter Kibor. “Many assets were sold before my father’s death,” she claimed. “Now, we’re focused on fairly dividing what remains, ensuring each of his wives and children is represented in the agreement.”
Albert Kibor also echoed the family’s commitment to peace. “It’s essential that we honor our father’s legacy by maintaining harmony,” he remarked. “We owe it to him and ourselves to resolve this peacefully.”
The dispute over Kibor’s estate began after his death on March 17, 2022. The conflict intensified when Euniter Kibor, the fourth wife, presented the contested will, which allegedly granted her a significant portion of the estate.
In January 2024, Justice Reuben Nyakundi of the High Court in Eldoret ordered the DCI to conduct a forensic examination of the will, which confirmed the document’s fraudulent nature.
Human rights activist Kimutai Kirui, based in Eldoret, has urged authorities to take swift legal action against those involved in the forgery. “This is a serious crime that not only disrespects the legacy of Mzee Kibor but also undermines the principles of justice,” Kirui stated. “We urge the DCI to investigate and hold accountable all individuals involved.”
The Kibor family, in light of the forgery findings, is now appealing to the court to allow an out-of-court settlement. Their goal is to divide the estate amicably, in accordance with their father’s values of fairness and unity. Loise Kibor emphasized, “Our father wanted us to be united. This is a difficult time, but we’re committed to finding a solution that respects his values of fairness and integrity.”
As the family moves forward with their efforts to resolve the matter, they remain hopeful that a peaceful and just conclusion will be reached, allowing them to honor their father’s legacy.
