A 65-year-old woman has emerged claiming to be the late Mzee Simeon Nyachae’s wife.
Margaret Kerubo Chweya, who arrived from the United States of America a few days ago, claims she was married to the late Nyachae, and that they had two children together.
She claims one of their firstborn son is over aged 47 years, while the second one is in his 30s.
Kerubo claims she traveled from the US together with her eldest son to attend Nyachae’s burial, but were reportedly denied entry during the burial held on Monday, February 15.
Keruba who hails from Kitutu Chache South Sub-County, Kisii County said she met Nyachae in 1973 while working at the Jogoo House as an office attendant.
“I got employed at Jogoo House in 1972 as a junior staff member. I couldn’t do the white-collar jobs because of my limited education; I had dropped out in Form Two,” she said.
Kerubo claims their friendship began after they became close – at which point she began sharing a few things she was going through with Nyachae.
“When I shared my woes with Nyachae, whom I met in 1973, he offered to help me further my education, and also mentor me.”
The friendship graduated to a romantic one in a few years resulting in Kerubo moving in with Nyachae at his Njoro Farm home in Nakuru County.
Kerubo said she considers herself one of Nyachae’s widows because she was married to him under customary law and formalized their marriage in 1984.
“While in Nairobi, Nyachae and I would drive to work together, and leave for home late in the evening together,” she stated.
According to Kerubo, Nyachae also bought her a house adjacent to his in Loresho, and received financial support.
“He was really supportive; he paid for my food, clothes, utilities and every other kind of bill that I incurred.”
Kerubo claims that Nyachae, who was a crusader for good education, arranged her travel to the US, where she furthered her education.
While in the US, Kerubo said Nyachae often visited the family.
Kerubo added that she had her two sons Rodney Chweya Nyache and Brian Nyandusi with Nyachae before flying abroad.
Kerubo said she visited Kenya several times in 2020 to see Nyachae who was ailing, but was often denied a chance to see him in hospital.
The mother of two says she wants to be recognised as one of Nyachae’s widows, and also get a chance to share in the inheritance.
“My attempts to seek an out-of-public settlement with Nyachae’s wives have hit a snag,” she said, adding: “that’s why I have resorted to speaking publicly.”
The former CS was buried at his home in Nyosia Kisii County.
The State funeral was attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta, his deputy William Ruto and ODM’s leader Raila Odinga amongst other leaders.
