The family of the late celebrated author and journalist, Ken Walibora, has raised concerns over his undisclosed wealth which has not been traced since he passed away on Friday, April 10, 2020.
Speaking at his memorial service in April 2021, Walibora's brother, Patrick Wafula, urged relevant government agencies to assist the family trace his property, estates and royalties.
Wafula, who is the principal of Kipsoen High School in Elgeyo Marakwet County said that Walibora secretive and rarely spoke of his fortunes and investments.
The teacher said that the family suspects Walibora may have left behind finances that may lie idle or may benefit unscrupulous individuals if not traced.
Walibora, the Swahili scholar who has over 40 titles to his name, was a teacher in Kenya, a lecturer in the US, worked as a probation officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs and as an anchor at KBC and NTV.
Wafula added his extended family was close to Walibora's wife and children who are based in the US. The author's family did not attend his burial service held on April 22 at his home in Cherangany, Trans-Nzoia County owing to the Covid-19 travel restrictions.
"We always communicate with each other,” Mr Wafula said.
The relatives further urged the government to expedite investigations into his death. Walibora was run over by a vehicle at Landhies Road, Nairobi. Detectives also suspected that he may have been murdered.
During the memorial service of the Damu Nyeusi author, various Swahili scholars globally celebrated his life, recalling his dedication and zeal in linguistics.
In July 2020, The China Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) set out plans to translate his famous novel Siku Njema into Chinese as a way of honouring the deceased.
Yuning Sheng, a Chinese Scholar of Swahili studies and African linguistics who schooled in Germany researching on topics of East Africa was tasked with translating the book.
