Marathon star Kabuu wins half of Sh70 million property in court battle

The High Court in Nakuru has brought a long-standing property dispute to a close, ruling that Kenyan marathon star Lucy Kabuu is entitled to half of a matrimonial estate valued at Sh70 million. Justice Samwel Mohochi delivered the judgment, which concludes a legal battle over assets accumulated during the athlete’s peak competitive years.

The dispute centered on several high-value residential and commercial properties located in Nyahururu, Nakuru, and Nairobi. At the heart of the case was the ownership of various parcels of land and completed buildings, which the court heard were largely financed by Kabuu’s earnings from international races.

The court found that Jeremiah Maina, Kabuu’s former husband, had taken advantage of the athlete’s professional commitments abroad to manage her finances. Evidence presented during the proceedings indicated that while Kabuu provided the bulk of the capital, Maina oversaw the acquisition of land and the subsequent construction of the family’s real estate portfolio.

Justice Mohochi criticized Maina’s conduct, stating that he had betrayed the trust placed in him by his former spouse. The judge noted that the respondent used his position as a husband to register several properties in his name or joint names, despite the funds originating from Kabuu’s prize money.

Under Kenyan law, matrimonial property is generally shared based on the contribution of each party. The court determined that Kabuu’s financial output was the primary driver of the property acquisitions. However, the court also acknowledged Maina’s role in managing the development projects and the daily oversight of the construction sites.

The ruling emphasizes the protection of athletes’ investments, who often entrust managers or family members with their earnings while competing on the global stage. Many Kenyan runners have faced similar challenges, where lack of direct oversight during the construction phase leads to ownership disputes later in life.

The assets in question include a commercial building in Nyahururu town and several residential houses in various estates. The court has now ordered a valuation of all listed properties to facilitate an equitable 50-50 split between the two parties.

This judgment serves as a significant precedent for the athletics community, highlighting the importance of clear legal documentation during property acquisition. It also underscores the judiciary’s stance on protecting vulnerable parties from financial exploitation within a domestic setup.

The legal team representing Kabuu welcomed the decision, noting that it provides a sense of justice for the athlete who had spent years fighting to regain control of her hard-earned wealth. Maina has the right to appeal the decision within the stipulated legal timelines.