An Eldoret judge has recused himself from billionaire Jackson Kibor's succession case.
Justice Reuben Nyakundi transferred the case to Justice Emilly Ominde after he was accused of bias.
Kibor is a former politician and farmer whose Sh16 billion estate has seen his three widows and 29 children engage in a court battle.
“I am sorry for the decision I have taken. I have done the best I could to ensure justice is done but I now hand over the matter to my sister in the other court and wish you all the best," Nyakundi said.
He has been hearing the case for the past two years.
Kibor’s youngest wife Eunita Kibor filed a will Kibor left in court seeking to have it adopted as it is but the 29 children and two widows objected the document terming it as fake.
They accused Eunita of doctoring the will to favour herself in wealth distribution.
The children, who accused Nyakundi of bias, wrote a letter to Chief Justice Martha Koome piling pressure on the judge.
The letter was copied to Judicial Service Commission, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, the Registrar of the High Court in Eldoret and the Law Society of Kenya.
The letter, dated June 19, was signed by Kibor's 27 children led by eldest son Philip Kibor, daughters, Magdalene and Betty Kibor.
"This is not just about our inheritance. It’s upholding the integrity of our legal system,” it said.
The children said they believe their late father’s will was forged in favour of Eunita and their efforts to get justice mishandled by the court.
Nyakundi had ordered that the will be subjected to forensic examination by DCI to ascertain its authenticity. But four months later, that was yet to happen.
The Kibor family members continuously accused each other of ignoring court orders.
“We have compiled a thorough list of grievances to ensure our demand is well founded and our voices are heard," the letter said.
Last month, Eunita obtained orders blocking Kibor's sons from interfering with the 300 acres Mafuta farm.
She said the farm was given to her by Kibor but the children argued it is part of the estate and does not belong to her.
Eunita vowed not to vacate the land and complained to the court that her life was in danger.
Kibor's estate includes more than 6,000 acres in Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia counties, movable assets worth billions of shillings and prime commercial plots in major towns.
Justice Ominde is expected to set a new date for hearing.