Family forced to bury woman on cousin's land after co-wife blocks burial on Estate

A family was forced to bury 73-year-old Susan Nyambura on her cousin’s land after her niece, who is also her co-wife, blocked the burial on the land belonging to their late husband, Joseph Leitmann.

Nyambura’s burial took place in Karachua, 15 km from the 21-acre estate in Free Area, Nakuru County.

Nyambura’s 17-year-old daughter and relatives were filled with grief and anger during the brief ceremony.

According to Nyambura’s brother-in-law, Gideon Mwangi, Lucy Wanjiku, who is not in Kenya, refused to allow her aunt to be buried on Leitmann’s land, even threatening legal action.

Nyambura and Wanjiku were both declared widows to Leitmann by Justice Hillary Chemitei on October 12, 2023, with the estate estimated to be worth over Sh100 million.

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On February 12, 30 family members gathered and agreed to honour Nyambura’s wish to be buried on her late husband’s land. However, Wanjiku’s sister, Teresia Njeri, instructed them to stop. Mwangi said that Nyambura had expressed her wish to be buried on her husband’s land, and it was painful to bury her elsewhere.

The family opted to bury Nyambura on her cousin’s land, Francis Njung’e, after Njeri suggested a county cemetery. Nyambura, a co-owner of half the estate, had wanted a simple home and some financial support to care for herself and her daughter.

She lived in a small room in the servant’s quarters after being denied access to a house on the property. Mwangi stated that Nyambura’s death on February 5, after a prolonged illness, was likely caused by stress and suffering. Nyambura’s cousin, Stephen Kamau, chaired the meeting and said the family chose to avoid confrontation for the sake of Nyambura’s peace.

Nyambura’s lawyer, Judith Kamoing, revealed that Nyambura had been evicted from Leitmann’s house by Njeri and had fought legal battles for her rights.

Nyambura, unable to have children, had adopted Wanjiku, who later formed a relationship with Leitmann, causing tension between the two women.

The case, which involves over 5,000 acres of land and several businesses, remains unresolved, with the estate still awaiting distribution despite court rulings.