The wealth of a former high ranking official of the United Nations has torn her family apart.
Elizabeth Olive Wangari, 77, who worked with UNESCO for 25 years, owns a luxurious home in Paris, receives a monthly pension of KShs1 million and has invested in a number of real estate and blue-chip firms in Kenya.
It is, however, her ownership of the property that is the bone of contention between her niece, Dr Nancy Chege, and her four adopted children.
Chege, who works in the US, accused the other children of abandoning Wangari, who was ailing, in Paris and never checked on her.
The children include Robert Gathoga (Kenya), 33, Venessa Lisa (US), 27, Rachel Mugure, 34, who lives in Canada and Charissa Natalie (UK), 29.
In the affidavit, the niece disclosed that her aunt had been abandoned in a house that had no working phone, TV or Internet connection and that the kitchen sink, shower and washing machines were broken.
“My aunt had neglected her personal hygiene and lived in a house without basic amenities,” stated Chege.
She also obtained interim orders to manage the estate besides two other trustees.
Chege further argued that she be appointed to manage the estate whose proceeds she vowed would be used to cater for the needs of her aunt.
Venessa, however, filed another case denying that she abandoned Wangari explaining that they had hired a caretaker to cater to her needs.
“We appointed a caretaker for our mother by the name Esperance Paradero whom we paid for her services and therefore allegations of neglect are misconceived and calculated to mislead this court to advance the applicant’s selfish gains,” she argued.
Chege also sought to expel Robert who was one of the administrators of the estate on the ground who retaliated with yet another suit her case was a misconception of facts.
Chege claimed that Robert had been expelled from UK, France and Canada based on his criminal record.
