Fresh controversy has rocked the succession case of the late Jonathan Moi after the High Court ordered DNA tests for his children, following a request by a declared beneficiary of his estate. The ruling, made on July 31, 2025, adds a dramatic twist to an already complex inheritance dispute surrounding the son of Kenya’s second President, Daniel arap Moi.
A news graphic shared by NTV Kenya shows a smiling photo of Jonathan Moi with the headline “Jonathan Moi Succession,” and confirms that the DNA order stems from contested paternity claims within the family.
According to court documents, one of the estate’s beneficiaries filed a formal application questioning the biological relationship between some of the listed children and the late Moi. The petitioner argues that the verification is crucial before the final distribution of wealth is executed.
The court has directed all alleged children of Jonathan Moi to submit to DNA testing under supervised medical conditions. The results will be confidentially reviewed before the next hearing, which is expected in the coming weeks.
Lawyers representing certain family members have opposed the move, terming it intrusive and disrespectful to the memory of the deceased. However, the court maintained that clarity and fairness must take precedence in matters of inheritance.
Jonathan Moi, who died in April 2019, left behind a contested estate said to be worth hundreds of millions. It includes prime land, businesses, and other investments spread across multiple counties.
The succession case has lingered for years, with factions within the extended Moi family reportedly clashing over entitlements and the legitimacy of beneficiaries. The latest order by the High Court is seen as a decisive step toward resolving years of simmering tension.
Legal analysts believe the outcome of the DNA results could set a precedent for other high-profile succession cases in Kenya. If the paternity claims are disproved, some individuals could lose their share of the estate entirely.
The development has triggered wide public interest, with many Kenyans following the case closely due to the Moi family’s historical prominence. Meanwhile, the court has imposed a temporary gag order to prevent parties from discussing the DNA process in public until a formal ruling is issued.
By Kenyans