Former MP William Chepkut’s wife in court claiming exclusion from burial plans

The late former Ainabkoi Member of Parliament William Chepkut’s wife has now gone to court claiming she has been locked out of his burial arrangement plans.

Milcah Jepngetich Samoei, in court documents seen by Citizen Digital, claimed to have been married to Chepkut in April 1998, and sired two children together with him during the period of their union.

Chepkut’s cousin James Kiptoo, brother Daniel Kiprotich, sister Monicah Chepkorir, two other wives Betsy Birgen and Dassie Ambassie, as well as Lee Funeral Home were listed as respondents/defendants in the case.

Jepngetich said the late MP’s body is presently lying at the Lee Funeral Home, and is scheduled to be released to the 5 other respondents on October 17 for burial the following day at his Flax Kapsundei home in Uasin Gishu County.

The petitioner however accused the 5 respondents of hostility claiming that, despite knowing of her existence as Chepkut’s wife, they have deliberately left her out of the burial plans, thereby denying her two children the opportunity to pay their last respects to their father.

She, in the court papers, also expressed worry that the late former legislator may not be accorded a send off befitting of his stature due to what she termed as the "secretive manner" in which the whole process was being carried out.

“…the Applicant is apprehensive that these are plans to disinherit her from the estate of the deceased,” read the court papers, filed by lawyer Danstan Omari.

“…unless this matter is dispensed with and determined on a priority basis and ex- parte orders granted on the principle of equal protection and benefit of the law, irreparable damage and torture will be vested upon the Plaintiff/Applicant together with her children.”

The papers added: “It is in the interest of justice and fairness that the Honourable Court hears this burial dispute urgently and on priority basis to allow the dead to rest in peace and for the Plaintiff to mourn her husband.”

Jepngetich now wants the court to declare her as Chepkut’s legal wife, further that a permanent injunction be issued against the 5 respondents barring them from holding the deceased’s body.

She further wants them prohibited from excluding her and her children  from any burial arrangements.

Jepngetich, in a subsequent address to the press on Saturday, said: “I feel intimidated, I ask them about properties and they threaten me. The other day I was at Mheshimiwa’s place and they called the police and had me locked up for four hours. If the family is taking care of other women, why not consider me?

I don't know what my kids will inherit, is my safety secured? Will my children go to school? I want the State to protect me, I don't think I'm safe with my in-laws.”