High Court Finalises Justice Majanja Estate Distribution Father Awarded Largest Share

The High Court in Nairobi has finalised the distribution of the estate of the late Justice David Majanja confirming a sharing formula that awards his father the largest portion. In a ruling delivered by Justice Stephen Riechi the court approved the proposed distribution after noting that no alternative plan was submitted despite earlier directions. Justice Riechi declared the proposed distribution fair and equitable and compliant with the Law of Succession Act confirming the grant of the estate.

Justice Majanja died on 10 July 2024 leaving a will that covered part of his assets while the remainder fell under intestate succession. Family members agreed that his father Gerishom Majanja and brother Genard Majanja would serve as joint administrators. The father received the largest share including multiple parcels of land across different counties a motor vehicle pension benefits and a significant portion of life insurance proceeds. Brother Genard was allocated several properties while sisters Janet and Annette stepbrother Martin and beneficiary Allan Khamadi Siema also received portions of land.

The court resolved a dispute over group life insurance benefits exceeding 22 million shillings held by the Judicial Service Commission. One beneficiary sought immediate release of the funds arguing they fell under the will but another contested this under the Insurance Act. Justice Riechi ruled that both pension and insurance benefits formed part of the intestate estate since no formal beneficiaries were nominated. The funds were therefore shared among all beneficiaries with the father taking the largest share and the rest divided equally.

The ruling also dismissed an application by Gerishom Majanja to revoke the joint administration citing strained relations with his co administrator. Justice Riechi stated that the administrators were appointed in open court with the consent of all beneficiaries and there was no basis to interfere. The court has now directed full distribution of the estate which includes dozens of land parcels financial benefits and other assets clearing the way for final transfer to the beneficiaries