Saitoti’s Widow Opposes Exhumation Bid for DNA Test 14 Years After His Death

The widow of former Kenyan Vice-President George Saitoti has opposed a request to exhume his remains for DNA testing, 14 years after his death in a helicopter crash.

Margaret Saitoti has challenged an application by James Njage, who claims to be the late politician’s biological son and wants to establish his relationship with the former Vice-President through DNA testing.

According to a report by NTV Kenya, the dispute centres on Njage’s claim to be recognised as a beneficiary of Saitoti’s estate.

Margaret has questioned the claim, describing it as an afterthought and arguing that exhuming her husband’s remains would cause unnecessary distress to the family.

She has also raised concerns about the possibility of obtaining viable DNA samples from remains buried in 2012.

Njage is seeking legal recognition as Saitoti’s son, a step that could affect the administration and distribution of the late politician’s estate if his claim is established.

He argues that he was a minor living outside Kenya when the succession proceedings took place and that he was not informed about the process.

Njage has asked the court to reconsider the existing succession arrangements, claiming that his alleged interest in the estate was not taken into account.

He is also seeking a detailed account of the estate’s assets and transactions from the administrators.

Margaret, however, maintains that she was unaware of Njage or any alleged relationship between him and her late husband. She has defended the administration of the estate, arguing that it was handled according to the applicable legal process.

The High Court is expected to consider the application and the objections raised by the parties. The request for exhumation and DNA testing has not, by itself, established Njage’s claim of biological parentage.

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

The latest dispute has brought renewed attention to the former Vice-President’s estate and the legal questions surrounding succession and the recognition of potential beneficiaries.

The court’s determination will help establish how the application should proceed.

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