The long-running dispute over the late Cabinet Minister Mbiyu Koinange’s multi-billion-shilling estate has taken a new turn after the court confirmed that police officers have been deployed to guard the contested property.
Senior Counsel Philip Murgor, representing one of the parties, told Justice Eric Ogolla that the deployment was carried out under court orders to prevent further invasions and maintain order.
He explained that the move was crucial in safeguarding the integrity of the land until the succession case is resolved.
The intervention was further reinforced by Lawyer Munene, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney General and the Inspector General of Police (IG).
Munene assured the court that the police were acting within the law and in direct compliance with judicial directives requiring the IG’s involvement in the matter.
Kiambu County Police Commander Doris Mugambi and Chief Inspector Kanage also confirmed that the directive had been implemented.
They assured the court that officers were already on the ground to provide round-the-clock security and avert any fresh confrontations that could arise among rival factions of the Koinange family and other interested parties.
The contested estate, which has been the subject of numerous legal battles spanning decades, has attracted different groups claiming ownership or inheritance rights. This has often led to tension, sporadic clashes, and accusations of illegal occupation of parts of the land.
Senior Counsel John Khaminwa, another lawyer representing parties in the dispute, welcomed the deployment of security officers, praising the court for stepping in to preserve peace and uphold its authority.
He emphasized that such enforcement was vital in ensuring that the rule of law is respected as the judicial process continues.
Observers say the deployment underscores the sensitivity of the Koinange estate case, one of the longest inheritance disputes in Kenya’s history.
The estate, estimated to be worth billions of shillings, has remained a point of contention for years, with multiple court proceedings failing to bring final closure.
Justice Ogolla reiterated that the court’s orders must be respected by all parties, warning against any actions that could amount to contempt.
He noted that the security measures were temporary but necessary to protect the property and guarantee a peaceful environment for the ongoing hearings.
The case will continue to be mentioned in court as stakeholders push for a lasting resolution to one of Kenya’s most contentious family property battles.
By Newshub