Kirima son takes over estate

A son of former assistant minister Gerishon Kirima on Sunday directed tenants to pay rent to a new account.

The notice was circulated to tenants in Highridge and Embakasi estates, asking them to pay rent and fees at the offices of Kirima & Sons on Moktar Daddah Street, Nairobi.

Agents dropping the letters were escorted by police officers from door-to-door.

Power of attorney

Said the notice: “This is to inform the general public and all tenants and occupants of the properties owned by Kirima & Sons that with effect from the date of this notice all rents, fees and other payments shall be paid at the said offices.

“Kirima & Sons had not authorised any persons whosoever to collect any rents or such payments on its behalf.”

Mr John Kirima, who has gone to court seeking 20 per cent management rights of his father’s vast estate, told the tenants any payment made elsewhere shall not be recognised.

But Ms Alice Kirima, daughter of Mr Kirima’s third wife Teresia Wairimu, said the notice was illegal as it was not printed on the letterhead of Kirima & Sons, neither was it signed by their ailing father

“At first, these people (sons and daughters of the first and second wives) said their concern was the health of their father. A few days later, it has turned to property,” she said outside Amani plaza in Highridge.

She added: “Mr John Kirima did not have the right to call himself a partner because the Commercial Court had not yet made a ruling on the request.”

The case where John wants to be enjoined in the management of the firm will be heard on September 8.

On Sunday, Alice denied reports Mr Kirima had returned from London where he was taken for specialised treatment.

Last week, some of Mr Kirima’s children produced a videotape where the tycoon revoked the power of attorney he had given to members of his family.

The family has been fighting over control of the Kirima estate, estimated at more than Sh750 million.