A High Court in Eldoret has settled a long-running family dispute by declaring Chepkoech Too a biological daughter of the late politician Mark Kiptarbei arap Too, bringing closure to a paternity case that has lingered for nearly a decade.
Justice Robert Wananda delivered the ruling after reviewing DNA evidence that linked Chepkoech to the late KANU-era power broker who died in 2016. The decision means Chepkoech will now be recognised as one of the children of Mark Too and may be considered among the beneficiaries of his vast estate, estimated to be worth more than KSh7 billion.
The dispute began shortly after the death of Mark Kiptarbei arap Too, a former nominated Member of Parliament known for his influence during the dominance of the Kenya African National Union (KANU). Several individuals came forward claiming to be his children, including Ali Mark Too and Arafat Mohamed Bakari, whose relationships with the family were eventually acknowledged by the administrators of the estate.
However, Chepkoech’s claim faced resistance from the late politician’s widows, Mary Too and Sophia Too, who declined to allow their children to participate in DNA testing.
Determined to settle the question, Chepkoech moved to court in 2017, seeking scientific verification. The breakthrough came when Arafat Mohamed Bakari agreed to provide a DNA sample for comparison. Laboratory analysis revealed that Chepkoech and Arafat share the same biological father.
In his judgment, Justice Wananda said the genetic evidence presented before the court was clear and compelling. The court therefore issued a formal declaration recognising Chepkoech Too as a biological child of the deceased politician.
Chepkoech, who leads Tecaiyo Africa Limited, had earlier maintained that her pursuit of the case was primarily about recognition rather than wealth. Nonetheless, the ruling now positions her within the line of beneficiaries as the family prepares to finalise the distribution of the late politician’s multi-billion-shilling estate.
The decision marks a significant moment in one of Kenya’s most closely watched inheritance disputes.