Sibling Strife: Allegations of Inheritance Manipulation Against Radio Host Josephat Odipo

Josephat Odipo, a prominent Radio Citizen News Presenter, is facing accusations of orchestrating a scheme to deprive his sisters of their rightful inheritance.

Five sisters have accused him of leveraging his connections to manipulate the situation in his favor, potentially leaving them with nothing.

For four decades, a family of eleven, primarily led by five sisters, has grappled with an unresolved inheritance dispute over their late father’s 13-acre property in Butula Sub-County, Busia County.

According to a document seen by Topnews.co.ke on September 29th, the sisters allege that Josephat Odipo has played a role in perpetuating gender discrimination, causing extensive delays in settling the fate of the 13-acre estate situated in Esibembe Village, Mukhweso Sub-Location, Lugulu Location.

“In asserting our claim to a fair share of our father’s land, we emphasize the principles of justice and equality that should guide such matters and our father’s legacy, which rightfully belongs to his descendants,” a section of their statement to the media declares.

The timeline of events traces back to the passing of their father, Mr. Kalisto Odipo, in 1982. He left behind twelve children from his union with Mama Seraphina Apondi. Among his assets was a 13-acre estate in Lukhari/Marachi, which has remained unresolved.

“Despite the passage of many years, there has been no progress in settling our father’s estate. Gender-based discrimination displayed by our brothers, who hesitate to involve female family members in estate discussions, exacerbates the situation,” the sisters claim.

Led by their second-born, Mary Goretti Mulaku, they demand the just application of the law, ensuring that all sisters receive an equal portion of their late father’s estate.

They recount a significant incident in 2003 when descendants of the individual who sold the land to their father attempted to reclaim it. Mary Goretti took the lead, engaging legal representation to defend the land’s ownership.

“In that challenging moment, our sister, Mary Goretti, displayed immense resilience and determination by independently seeking legal aid to navigate the intricate legal process. Notably, our brothers failed to actively contribute to resolving this crucial matter, despite having an equal stake in the outcome,” the sisters noted.

Furthermore, they accuse their five other brothers, who appear to be influenced by their prominent sibling, of neglecting their familial duties and sidelining them, treating them as if they were not legitimate family members.

“In addition to the unresolved inheritance issue, our brothers have failed to support the education and well-being of our nieces and nephews within the family. This disregard for familial responsibilities is both disheartening and unacceptable. It was evident in the minimal support they provided to our late brother, Dominic, during his extended illness and eventual passing,” they emphasized.

The sisters underscore the importance of family support during challenging times and express their hope for a fair resolution that benefits all parties involved.

“We acknowledge that Josephat Odipo was raised outside the family home, which may have influenced his perspective and attachment to the family property differently from those of us raised within the home. Our desire is to unite as a family, resolve these issues, and reach a fair decision that considers all involved parties,” stated the three sisters.