This archive report was first published on 19 June 2020.
Archbishop Musa Magodo, the founder of Magodo International Ministries, passed away on September 2, 2019, in Nairobi. Nine months later, his body remains unburied due to a family feud over his vast wealth.
The conflict began after Magodo's death, with his family members fighting over the distribution of his properties, which include 57 listed in his Will. The properties span across Nairobi, Kajiado, Kiambu, Nakuru, Laikipia, Siaya, and Machakos counties.
According to the Will, drawn on July 12, 2019, Magodo bequeathed his properties to his eight children from three wives. However, the family members are at odds over the distribution of the wealth, with some claiming their lives are in danger due to their stand on the matter.
A family member revealed that attempts to bring the family together have failed, and they have had to change residence due to the conflict. The family member stated, 'All attempts to bring the family together came to nought, and even after exposing the intentions of one of the family members, we had to run for our lives and change residence.'
Magodo's properties include a church, children's home, and school in Nairobi, as well as a bungalow in Karen, a home in Gataka near Ongata Rongai, and several parcels of prime land. The family is also fighting over two motor vehicles that Magodo wished to leave with his eldest son and wife.
Those who knew Magodo describe him as a man with a good heart, who only wanted a befitting send-off. His eldest son, Akalomba Magodo, said, 'Mzee was a man with a good heart and all we wish is that he could just have a befitting send-off devoid of all this drama, then we can sit down as a family to chart the way forward.'
