Jonathan Moi’s son wants DNA tests taken for 19 children in succession row

In his application, Kiprono argues that the necessity of sibling DNA tests is to authenticate biological relationships, ensuring that only rightful heirs partake in the estate's distribution.

He also wants the court to prevent the individuals from making any claims on behalf of Jonathan Moi’s estate until the matter is conclusively resolved.

This legal move follows a mediation process that identified 19 beneficiaries across four households, a report subsequently adopted by the High Court. 

However, Kiprono challenges the mediation's validity, arguing that decisions were made through voting rather than consensus and that he was absent during these deliberations. 

He contends that some recognised beneficiaries are not biologically related to Jonathan Moi.

When the matter was before Justice Erick Ogolla on Thursday, Kiprono’s lawyer opposed the application.

Lawyer Duncan Okatch, representing the third wife of Jonathan Moi, highlighted the urgency of accessing estate funds for pressing needs, including medical treatment for a minor suffering from Stage 2 cancer. 

"Because of this stalemate, we are unable to move. Adopted or not adopted, they are all children of the deceased. It's in the public domain that there is a minor who is unwell," Okatch submitted.

They argue that the estate's distribution is already underway, with 20% of the late President Daniel Arap Moi’s estate allocated to Jonathan Moi’s beneficiaries.

Justice Eric Ogola is scheduled to rule on Kiprono’s application for DNA testing on June 26, 2025.