DNK International By Elizabeth Were.
The High Court has dismissed a claim by a United States based Kenyan woman who sought recognition as the widow of the late former Cabinet Minister and senior civil servant Simeon Nyachae, in a significant ruling favouring the Nyachae family.
Justice Eric Ogola ruled that Margaret Chweya had not provided sufficient evidence to prove that she was legally married to Nyachae before his death.
The court also declined to recognise her two sons as dependants of the late minister, noting that their biological fathers are still alive.
“Pictures on their own cannot prove marriage,” Justice Ogola emphasised, adding that a valid marital relationship must be demonstrated through recognised legal or customary procedures.
Acceptable evidence includes proof of customary rites, a formal civil ceremony, or a sustained cohabitation accompanied by public acknowledgment of the union.
The dispute emerged amid succession proceedings over Nyachae’s estate, with Chweya claiming spousal and dependency rights. She presented photographs purportedly showing her with Nyachae during his lifetime as part of her case.
The court, however, found that visual evidence alone was inadequate to establish a lawful marriage under Kenyan law.
Chweya’s claim was consequently rejected, marking a decisive legal setback for her bid to be recognised as a widow of the late minister.
[DNK-International@January 29,2026]
