Kirima family seals deal on vast estate

The family of Nairobi tycoon Gerishon Kirima on Friday hammered out an agreement on how to run the vast estate.

Reaching the deal was, however, not without drama as the children bickered for hours.

At one time, Mr Justice Fred Ochieng’ asked them to consult outside the courtroom.

After a lot of haggling, lawyers for both sides drafted an agreement that was acceptable to the court.

Third wife

The family resolved that the businesses be run by two trustees, Anne Wangari and James Njuguna, daughter and brother of Mr Kirima respectively.

They also agreed all tenants pay rent, estimated at between Sh17 million and Sh20 million monthly, at K and S Building in Nairobi’s Moktar Daddah Street.

The money would be deposited in Mr Kirima’s account, said daughter Anne at a press briefing. Mr Justice Ochieng’ had summoned all the children, trustees and Kirima’s third wife, Teresia Wairimu.

The judge’s chambers were out of bounds for several hours as he spent the better part of the afternoon listening to family members’ opinions.

Lawyers Rodger Sagana, who represent Kirima’s children from the first and second wives and David Oyatta, for Kirima’s third wife, were in court.

The family also agreed that Mr Kirima’s two children with special needs be catered for. The family also agreed to hold regular meetings to resolve the matter completely.

“We are happy that we have reached an agreement. It was difficult but we thank God we made it,” said Anne. When asked about her father, she said he was doing well.

Mr Justice Ochieng’ asked the family to appear before him after three weeks to make a progress report.