Kenya’s second-largest landowners, Moi family protests half-a-million-dollar legal bill

The family of the late Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi, known as Kenya’s second-largest landowners, has raised objections to a Ksh70 million ($490,000) legal bill submitted by the esteemed law firm of Kilonzo and Company Advocates.

The bill, forwarded to the High Court for assessment by the law firm led by Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and Kethi Kilonzo, has been met with claims from the Moi family that the late President had already settled the fees through cash payments and gifts.

In a recent statement issued by the Moi family, they contend that the late President Moi, had fully discharged his legal obligations to the firm.

Moi’s son, Phillip Kipchirchir, challenged the bill of costs presented by Kilonzo and Company Advocates, emphasizing that it was implausible for his late father to have left any outstanding fees, given his history of generously gifting and compensating his lawyers in cash.

“I am aware that the plaintiffs have benefited immensely from my late father’s magnanimity and generosity, and it is ridiculous to make a claim against his estate without disclosing how much money and gifts they received from him,” Kipchirchir said. He further asserted that presenting the bill after his father’s passing was not only done in bad faith but also potentially against the law.

The Moi family, renowned for its significant influence in both business and politics, has emerged as one of Kenya’s wealthiest families. Bolstered by an extensive land portfolio encompassing nearly 300,000 acres, they occupy the position of the nation’s second-largest landholders, second only to the Kenyatta family.

Furthermore, the family wields substantial influence in the media landscape, with a significant stake in the Standard Media Group. This conglomerate encompasses widely followed media outlets such as Kenya Television Network, various newspapers, and a series of radio stations.

While unofficial estimates circulated within Kenyan media place the Moi family’s total wealth at a staggering $3 billion, these figures remain unverified, and existing liabilities could mitigate their actual financial standing.