A Kisii Senior Principal Magistrate’s Court has ordered that DNA samples be extracted from the body of former Bonchari MP Zebedeo Opore for paternity testing amid a family dispute concerning his burial. The court’s ruling follows a legal challenge by Roseangela Nkirote, who claims to be Opore’s wife and is seeking to have her two children included in the burial proceedings. The case has captured public attention, as it highlights the complexity of family disputes over inheritance and burial rights.
Initially, Opore’s burial had been scheduled for Friday, November 8, 2024, but Nkirote moved to court seeking to stop the interment. She alleged that she and her children had been unfairly excluded from the funeral plans despite her assertion of being Opore’s wife. In her petition, Nkirote named several family members, including Francis Opore, Vincent Opore, Charles Opore, and other relatives, who were involved in the burial arrangements.
The court intervened by halting the planned burial on Friday to allow time for the paternity dispute to be resolved. It ordered that DNA samples be taken from Opore’s body at Lee Funeral Home on the afternoon of November 8, in the presence of representatives from both Nkirote’s camp and the Opore family. The samples are to be sent to Aga Khan Hospital for testing to confirm the paternity of the two children Nkirote claims are Opore’s offspring.
After deliberations, the court set the date for Opore’s burial on Saturday, November 9, 2024, contingent on the DNA test results and the family’s agreement to include Nkirote and her children in the funeral arrangements. This ruling was a compromise to allow the burial to proceed while acknowledging Nkirote’s legal challenge.
Senior Principal Magistrate B.O. Omwansa, who presided over the case, emphasized that the inclusion of Nkirote and her children in the burial program was critical. The court further ordered that the Suneka OCPD (Officer Commanding Police Division) ensure Nkirote and her children’s safety and security during the ceremony, with full participation allowed. This is meant to prevent any disturbances that might arise from the ongoing family dispute.
The court’s ruling came after high-profile figures, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, had planned to attend the funeral in Kisii. These politicians had already finalized their itineraries for the funeral, but their plans were interrupted by the court’s decision. This interruption underscored the tensions within the family and the wider implications of the court’s involvement in personal matters like burial and family succession.
Opore, who passed away recently, was a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, having served as the Member of Parliament for Bonchari and as an assistant minister. His death has prompted a series of family conflicts, with various members contesting his estate and funeral arrangements. The legal action taken by Nkirote has brought these issues to the forefront, showcasing how disputes over personal matters like burial can escalate into legal battles.
The court’s involvement is a stark reminder of the importance of legally establishing paternity, especially in cases where inheritance or family rights are contested. The DNA test is expected to provide clarity on the matter, but regardless of the results, the case has already exposed the complexities of family dynamics in Kenya, particularly within prominent political families.
As the burial proceeds on Saturday, the outcome of the DNA test will likely influence the future of Opore’s estate and legacy. The resolution of the paternity question will not only determine who is entitled to participate in the funeral but also may have a lasting impact on the family’s relations moving forward. This case is a vivid example of the intersection of family, politics, and the law in Kenya.
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