Kenyan Marathoner Wins Ksh 70 Million Case After 10 Years of Court Battle With Ex-Husband

Kenyan marathon champion Lucy Wangui Kabuu has emerged victorious in a long-standing court battle over matrimonial property, ending years of legal conflict with her former husband.

According to Nation Sport, the court ruled that Lucy Kabuu is entitled to the majority of assets valued at approximately Sh70 million, bringing closure to a dispute that began over a decade ago.

Her ex-husband, Jeremiah Maina, had petitioned for an equal division of the wealth accumulated during their relationship.

In its decision, the court concluded that Lucy Kabuu was the main financial contributor during the years the two were together.

Evidence presented showed that she earned substantial income from international marathon competitions, including prize winnings between 2012 and 2013. The court acknowledged that these earnings formed the foundation of much of the couple’s property.

The judge noted that Kabuu had entrusted her finances to Maina during the relationship, a decision that later became central to the dispute.

The ruling granted Kabuu full ownership of several properties, including residential and rental developments located in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Nyandarua counties.

The court determined that she had provided sufficient documentation to prove direct acquisition of these assets.

One property, the former matrimonial home in Nyahururu, was divided between the parties. Kabuu was awarded an 80 per cent stake, while Maina received 20 per cent.

Maina had argued that he contributed significantly to the acquisition and development of various properties across multiple counties.

However, the court found inconsistencies in his financial explanations and noted that he failed to provide clear proof supporting his claims.

Judges highlighted discrepancies in documentation, including records that contradicted his account of selling a vehicle to finance property purchases.

The court also observed that he had not adequately explained how he financed the assets given his reported monthly income.

The judgment further stated that Maina disposed of certain properties while proceedings were ongoing, contrary to court directives.

These transactions were considered when determining his final share of the estate. He has been ordered to transfer any remaining property registered under his name to Kabuu within 60 days.

The legal case was initiated in 2014, with Maina seeking half of the couple’s accumulated wealth. The dispute involved land, residential and commercial developments, and vehicles located in several counties.

Kabuu, in her defence, maintained that the properties were acquired using her earnings from athletics competitions and that Maina had been granted limited administrative oversight.

During proceedings, Kabuu stated that tensions escalated over time and that she eventually left the shared home. She alleged mistreatment, which was also referenced in court discussions. The dispute, spanning more than ten years, has now been formally resolved with the court’s final ruling.