Court Approves KEPSHA Boss Johnson Nzioka’s Burial, Orders DNA Test for Alleged Daughter.
The High Court has lifted the suspension on the burial of Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association (KEPSHA) President, Johnson Matheka Nzioka. It has directed Lee Funeral Home to release his body to the family after DNA samples have been collected.
With this decision, the burial will proceed as scheduled on February 28, 2025, at his rural home in Machakos County.
The burial had been put on hold after a woman filed a petition claiming Nzioka was her father. She stated in court documents that her mother was married to the deceased under Kamba customary law, and they had established their matrimonial home in Thika, where they lived for approximately eight years.
She alleged that she was born in 1997 and, despite her parents’ separation in 1999, Nzioka had continued to offer financial and emotional support until his passing.
According to court records, Nzioka lost his life in an accident on February 16, 2025, and his body was preserved at Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi. The woman was reportedly taken aback upon discovering that the burial plans had been finalized without her knowledge.
She argued that she had been excluded from the arrangements and was denied the chance to read her tribute during the ceremony.
She had also requested that a DNA test be conducted at a government chemist under the supervision of representatives from both parties.
Family Denies Claims, Opposes Burial Delay
The family rejected her assertion that she was Nzioka’s daughter and maintained that she had no legitimate claim to attend the funeral.
However, the defendants clarified that they were not against her presence at the burial but objected to delaying the ceremony, citing logistical difficulties and financial burdens.
Representing the family, lawyer Duncan Otieno argued that postponing the burial would cause inconvenience to relatives and delegates who had already made plans to attend.
Additionally, he pointed out that the woman had failed to present official documentation, such as a birth certificate, to substantiate her claim of being the deceased’s daughter.
The petitioner maintained that she had made several efforts to engage with the burial committee to reach a mutual resolution.
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She believed dialogue was the most suitable approach to settling the dispute. However, she alleged that the family remained uncooperative, ultimately compelling her to seek legal intervention.
The court concluded that the petitioner had not provided sufficient evidence to support her claim, particularly regarding financial transactions proving Nzioka’s support. Consequently, it ruled in favor of allowing the burial to proceed while ordering a DNA test to verify her allegations.
Court Approves KEPSHA Boss Johnson Nzioka’s Burial, Orders DNA Test for Alleged Daughter.
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