The question of who is truly Margaret Chweya’s husband took another twist at the Milimani Law Courts Family Division, where yet another elderly man stepped forward, claiming to be her spouse and the biological father of her son.
Margaret Chweya has long been embroiled in a contentious legal battle over the estate of the late powerful minister Simeon Nyachae. This latest development adds a new layer to the already complex succession case.
Appearing before Justice Eric Ogola, Jacob Michuki Mokaya testified that he married Chweya in 1973. His claim comes just a week after another elderly man also appeared in court, asserting he was Chweya’s husband.
Mokaya stated that he met Chweya while serving as a prison warder at the Prisons Training College and that they were introduced by her brother. According to him, their relationship lasted until 1978, when they separated.
“I used to provide for Margaret and my son, Rowney,” he told the court, referring to the child he believes they had together. However, he admitted that after their separation and relocation in 1978, they lost all contact.
“There has been no communication since 1975. If I met my son today, I wouldn’t recognize him,” Mokaya said, adding, “Old age has caught up with me. I don’t even know if he’s still alive. I hold no grudge against him if he shows up, I’d be happy to see him because he is my blood.”
During cross-examination, Mokaya claimed the two were married under Kisii customary law but admitted he never paid dowry, including the traditional requirement of livestock.
He also testified that their son was named Samuel Onyancha. However, when presented with a school report card under the name David Chweya, he was unable to explain the inconsistency. Mokaya added that the child was enrolled in school in 1978 but failed to provide evidence of having supported him financially.
The court is currently working to verify Chweya’s legitimacy in her claim to Nyachae’s estate, with questions of paternity and lineage remaining central to the inheritance case
