A new development has emerged concerning the estate of the late Fidel Odinga, the eldest son of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. A recent gazette notice revealed that Lwam Getachew Bekele, Fidel’s former wife, has applied to administer his unclaimed assets through the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA).
According to the notice, the UFAA received Lwam’s application to manage Fidel’s financial assets currently held under Gulf African Bank Limited. The notice also stated that unless any valid objection is filed within 30 days, the assets will be released to her as the approved administrator. The process follows the Authority’s procedure, which requires applicants to submit proof of relationship and obtain letters of no objection from other potential beneficiaries.
“The Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority has received claims for unclaimed assets from the following persons, claiming as administrators of the estates of deceased persons and agents of the original owners. Unless an objection to the claims is lodged within thirty (30) days from the date hereof, payment will be made to the aforementioned person,” read part of the notice.
Fidel and Lwam married in 2012 and welcomed a son together before separating in 2014. Fidel tragically passed away in January 2015. Despite their separation, Lwam has remained legally recognized as a co-administrator of Fidel’s estate following a 2022 court agreement. At that time, the Odinga family settled a long-running legal dispute over the management of the late businessman’s properties, which were estimated at about KSh 40 million. The assets included parcels of land, vehicles, and multiple bank accounts.
Lwam now seeks to secure control over Fidel’s remaining unclaimed financial assets as part of ongoing estate administration efforts. If no disputes arise within the stipulated period, she will assume full management authority.
This latest move comes amid a period of mourning for the Odinga family following the recent passing of Raila Odinga. Notably, Lwam and her son Allay were absent from the funeral, drawing public attention to the family’s ongoing private matters.
As the 30-day notice period proceeds, it remains to be seen whether any counterclaims will be filed or if the assets will be formally transferred to Lwam. The development underscores the continued legal and financial complexities surrounding one of Kenya’s most prominent political families.
