Saitoti’s Widow Fights Court Bid to Exhume His Body for DNA Test

The widow of former Kenyan Vice-President George Saitoti is opposing a court application seeking to exhume his remains for DNA testing to establish whether a man claiming to be his son is biologically related to the late politician.

Margaret Wanjiku Saitoti has challenged James Njage’s request, arguing that the exercise would cause emotional pain to the family and may fail to produce useful DNA samples because of the condition of the remains after more than 14 years.

The dispute has returned to the High Court as Njage seeks recognition as a beneficiary of Saitoti’s estate. He claims that he was left out when the former Vice-President’s property was distributed following his death in 2012.

According to court documents reported by The Star on October 22, 2026, Margaret has questioned the basis of Njage’s claim, saying he has not provided sufficient documentary evidence to prove that he is Saitoti’s biological son.

She has also argued that exhuming the remains would cause unnecessary distress to the family and affect the dignity and memory of the former Vice-President.

Saitoti died on June 10, 2012, when a police helicopter crashed in the Kibiku area of Ngong Forest. Six people, including Saitoti and Assistant Minister Orwa Ojode, died in the accident.

Njage filed his application in June 2026, seeking to challenge the earlier decision on the administration of Saitoti’s estate. He argues that he was a minor living outside Kenya when the succession proceedings took place and was never informed about them.

He wants the court to review the estate distribution and order DNA testing to establish his alleged relationship with the former Vice-President.

Njage also wants the estate administrators to provide a detailed account of the property, income, investments and other assets belonging to the late politician.

The estate was previously distributed between Margaret and their son, Zachary Musengi, following succession proceedings.

The latest dispute raises questions about whether Njage can establish his claimed family relationship and whether the court should reopen a succession case that has been concluded for years.

The High Court is expected to hear arguments on the application on November 23, 2026. The court’s decision will determine the next steps in the dispute, including whether exhumation and DNA testing will be allowed.

For now, Njage’s claim remains unproven, and the court has yet to determine whether he is Saitoti’s biological son.

Sources: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CA1CanqvB/

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