The grave of former Ainabkoi MP William Chepkut has become the epicenter of a vicious battle for his Sh400 million estate, as his three widows turn on each other in a saga of exclusion, greed, and betrayal.

Nearly four years after the charismatic politician collapsed and died in his Nairobi home, his vast empire—comprising hotels in Eldoret, prime land in Uasin Gishu, and upscale apartments in Nairobi’s Riverside—is in limbo. Two of his widows, Dassie Ambassie and Betsy Birgen, have dragged the first wife, Milcah Jepngetich, to the High Court. They accuse her of playing a "winner-takes-all" game, locking them out of the succession process and attempting to secretly sell off assets before the court can intervene.

The Tripartite Tussle

The drama unfolding before Justice Reuben Nyakundi in Eldoret is a classic Kenyan succession tragedy. Milcah, armed with a 1993 marriage certificate, claims she is the sole legal spouse. She alleges that Dassie and Betsy are merely "opportunists" with no claim to the estate. However, the two co-wives argue that they were customary wives recognized by the late MP and have children who are rightful heirs.

The situation is further complicated by the MP's siblings. In a twist, the court recently revoked a grant of administration that had been issued to Chepkut’s brother and sister, citing "misrepresentation and non-disclosure." Justice Nyakundi ordered the entire process to start afresh (*de novo*), effectively hitting the reset button on the legal war.

• The Assets: At stake is a portfolio worth Sh400 million, including the Royalton Hotel, agricultural tracts, and high-end vehicles.
• The Accusation: Dassie and Betsy claim Milcah has "unilaterally dealt with estate assets," implying funds are disappearing while the case drags on.
• The Ruling: The court has frozen all dealings in the estate, warning the widows that any dissipation of assets will be met with contempt charges.

A Family Torn Apart

Chepkut, known for his humor and down-to-earth nature, left behind a chaotic domestic legacy. The court heard allegations that Milcah had been estranged from Chepkut for ten years prior to his death, a claim she vehemently denies. Meanwhile, the extended family is backing different factions, turning the succession into a clan war.

As the case heads for a full hearing, the "Chepkut circus" serves as a grim warning about the importance of estate planning. For now, the millions remain locked away, while the widows trade accusations instead of sharing the inheritance.