Nairobi, Aug. 31 -- The succession cases involving the estates of former politician Cyrus Jirongo and Jonathan Moi have once again brought inheritance disputes into the spotlight.

In the Jirongo case, three widows have petitioned for letters of administration, listing themselves and 13 children as beneficiaries. The documents also recognise 16 other children born outside the marriages.

Nineteen beneficiaries were identified in the proceedings involving Jonathan's estate. The beneficiaries called for DNA tests to be conducted on them in order to benefit from their father's wealth.

The Law of Succession Act recognises more than biological children. It protects adopted children and, in certain circumstances, people who can prove they depe...