High Court Dismisses Alleged Nyachae Widow Claim

The High Court in Nairobi has dismissed a claim by a US-based Kenyan woman who asserted that she was the widow of the late former Cabinet Minister Simeon Nyachae.

In a ruling delivered on Thursday, January 29, 2026, Justice Eric Ogola rejected the petition filed by Margaret Chweya. She had sought recognition as Nyachae's widow, along with spousal rights and dependency entitlements for herself and her two sons in the succession proceedings over the late politician's estate.

The court found that Chweya failed to provide sufficient evidence to establish that she was lawfully married to Nyachae prior to his death. She presented photographs purportedly showing her together with Nyachae during his lifetime as part of her supporting material.

Justice Ogola emphasized that pictures alone cannot prove marriage. He stated that a valid marital relationship under Kenyan law must be demonstrated through recognized legal or customary procedures. These include evidence of customary rites, a formal civil ceremony, or proof of sustained cohabitation coupled with public acknowledgment of the union as a marriage.

The judge further ruled that Chweya's two sons could not be recognized as dependants of the late Nyachae. Their biological fathers are still alive, and any claims for support should be directed toward those fathers instead.

The decision represents a significant victory for the Nyachae family, bringing clarity to the ongoing succession matters involving the estate of the influential former minister and senior civil servant.

Simeon Nyachae, who passed away several years ago, was a prominent figure in Kenyan politics and public service, known for his roles in government and his extensive family and business interests. The ruling upholds the legal standards required to substantiate claims of marriage in succession disputes.