A farmer in Uasin Gishu has sued the North Rift Law Society of Kenya (LSK) chairperson, accusing him of irregularly withdrawing Ksh 25 million from his late father’s estate.
In the case before the Eldoret High Court, the farmer, Bill Esselink, claims the LSK chairperson, Henry Kenei, illegally withdrew the money from the bank.
The money came into the lawyer’s possession after a court order authorising its withdrawal.
He, however, notes that he had only authorised withdrawal of KSh 10 million, half of which was to pay for legal fees and the other to defray estate expenses and safeguard the children’s livelihood.
But according to the tycoon farmer who is of British origin, the lawyer withdrew KSh 30 million and gave him only KSh 5 million, pocketing the rest.
Despite an existing court order directing the lawyer to release the extra money withdrawn, it remains in his custody.
The family claims Kenei’s refusal to release the money has caused them undue financial constraint.
Through Jackline Chemutai John and her brother Bill Essenik, the family has filed an application seeking to have the KSh 25 million released to the firms of Terer Kibii and Company Advocates and Y. Jeruto & Company Advocates.
Lawyer Kenei has, however, defended himself, arguing that the family has not paid his firm’s legal fees for the succession matter.
“I have not refused to release the money, but they need to clear my legal fees,” the lawyer said.
He also demanded that the family withdraw a case lodged against him with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The case will be mentioned on November 3.
