Even in death, the gavel has not brought peace to the house of Justice David Majanja. The High Court has ordered an urgent fast-tracking of the case involving the late judge’s KES 22 million estate, following heart-wrenching reports that his elderly father, Gerishom Majanja, is critically ill and unable to afford medical care.

The irony is cruel: a family of one of Kenya’s most brilliant legal minds is now trapped in the labyrinth of the very legal system he served. The dispute has pitted sibling against sibling, freezing the assets and leaving the judge’s dependent parents destitute. The court’s intervention today is a desperate attempt to ensure that justice for the living does not come too late.

A Family Divided

At the heart of the conflict is a contested will. The late Justice Majanja reportedly bequeathed the bulk of his estate—including insurance benefits and bank accounts—to his youngest brother, Martin, whom he trusted to care for their aging parents. However, a sister has challenged the document, arguing it disinherits other siblings. This legal stalemate has locked the funds since the judge’s death in 2024.

During the virtual session, Gerishom Majanja appeared from his sickbed, a visual testament to the urgency of the matter. His lawyer pleaded, "Justice should not come at the expense of health." The father’s condition has deteriorated significantly, and the frozen funds are his only lifeline for treatment.

• The Assets: The estate includes over KES 22 million in cash, shares, and insurance payouts—a significant sum that remains untouchable while the court deliberates.
• The Ruling: Justice Hillary Chemitei has directed all parties to file outstanding documents immediately, signaling that the court will no longer tolerate delaying tactics.

The Cost of Litigation

The Majanja saga is a grim reminder of the destructive power of succession battles in Kenya. While the law allows for challenges, the human cost is often measured in years of estrangement and suffering. For Gerishom Majanja, the ruling is a glimmer of hope, but the question haunts the courtroom: will the money be released in time to save the father of the man who once dispensed justice to the nation?

"We are in pain," the father had told the press earlier. Today, the High Court finally listened.