[2019] KEHC 1525 (KLR)

[2019] KEHC 1525 (KLR)

The court found that the purported will dated 14/2/2005 was invalid due to material contradictions in its execution and attestation, specifically the inconsistency between the date of execution stated in the will and the oral testimony of the witnesses. The deceased, being literate and accustomed to signing...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2019] KEHC 1525 (KLR)
Parties
Respondent: Beatrice Nyaguthii Nderitu; Applicant: Edward Wachira Nderitu; Applicant: Abija Nyambura Nderitu
Court
High Court
Court Station
High Court at Nakuru
Jurisdiction
Kenya
Case Number
Succession Cause 252 of 2013
Procedural Posture
Succession Cause / Judgment
Outcome
Summons for revocation of grant and cross petition allowed. Grant of probate revoked. Letters of administration to issue to Edward Wachira Nderitu. Distribution to be as per court's schedule. Each party to bear its own costs.
Legal Topics
Succession, Revocation of Grant, Validity of Will, Appointment of Administrator, Intestate Distribution, Polygamous Estate
Source Language
en
Family and Children Succession Revocation of Grant Validity of Will Appointment of Administrator Intestate Distribution Polygamous Estate

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Parties

Beatrice Nyaguthii Nderitu

Respondent

Edward Wachira Nderitu

Applicant

Abija Nyambura Nderitu

Applicant

Procedural Posture

Succession Cause / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the deceased left a valid will.
  2. 2 If not, whether the grant of probate should be revoked.
  3. 3 Who should be appointed as administrator(s) of the estate.

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the purported will dated 14/2/2005 was invalid due to material contradictions in its execution and attestation, specifically the inconsistency between the date of execution stated in the will and the oral testimony of the witnesses. The deceased, being literate and accustomed to signing documents, instead thumbprinted the will without sufficient explanation or proof that the thumbprint was his. The petitioner failed to discharge the burden of proving the authenticity of the will. Consequently, the grant of probate issued to Beatrice Nyaguthii Nderitu was based on an invalid will and was therefore defective in substance. The court exercised its discretion to revoke the...

Court Disposition

Summons for revocation of grant and cross petition allowed. Grant of probate revoked. Letters of administration to issue to Edward Wachira Nderitu. Distribution to be as per court's schedule. Each party to bear its own costs.

Orders

  • The grant of probate issued to Beatrice Nyaguthii on 4/10/2013 is revoked.
  • A grant of letters of administration to issue to Edward Wachira Nderitu.