Former Limuru MP Kuria Kanyingi put in place strict legal measures to prevent inheritance disputes within his polygamous family, according to details of his will.
The former legislator, who died in 2014 aged 71, warned that any beneficiary who challenged his will would automatically lose their share of the estate.
Kanyingi, widely known as “Mr Money Bags” due to his public display of wealth, left behind an estate estimated at about Sh2 billion, including properties, company shares, and cash held in multiple bank accounts.
Court documents indicate that his immovable assets alone were valued at approximately Sh1.162 billion.
In his will dated January 25, 2013, Kanyingi made it clear that his primary intention was to shield his family from prolonged legal battles, which are common in polygamous households.
He directed that any individual contesting the will must first return any property already allocated to them or deposit its equivalent value before initiating legal action.
“I desire that no one should change my wishes,” he stated, adding that such conditions were necessary to preserve order and fairness.
To enforce his directives, Kanyingi established a trust managed by three professionals: a pastor, a lawyer, and an accountant.
The trust, chaired by Rev Robert Waihenya, alongside lawyer Patriciah Muthoni and accountant Kenneth Muiru, was tasked with administering the estate for a period of 40 years.
The trustees were instructed to distribute the wealth equally between his two households, comprising his widows Jerioth Wangui and Susan Wangu, and their 10 children.
Disbursements were to be made quarterly to ensure sustained financial support.
Kanyingi also issued specific instructions regarding key assets. He barred the sale of two parcels of land associated with his late mother, directing that they be preserved as family monuments for future generations.
Additionally, he prohibited family members from purchasing his vehicles, including a Toyota NZE, ordering that they be sold to third parties and proceeds shared equally.
The will further details distribution of shares across several companies, land parcels in areas such as Limuru, Kilimani, and Lavington, as well as a house in South Africa.
Beyond wealth allocation, Kanyingi urged his children to maintain respect and unity, specifically instructing them to obey their mothers.
Before entering politics, Kanyingi worked as a mechanic at the Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit along Likoni Road.
He later served as Limuru MP between 2002 and 2007 and became known for his philanthropy, often contributing large sums at public fundraisers.