Mombasa, Kenya – September 18, 2025, 08:45 AM (EAT) – Former Laikipia County Woman Representative Cate Waruguru is facing fresh scrutiny after the High Court in Mombasa ruled that she allegedly played a key role in a scheme that transferred six prime properties in Nairobi and Mombasa to a company linked to her, leaving a man’s wife and children disinherited.
Justice Gregory Mutai, delivering the judgment on September 17, 2025, found that Waruguru and businessman Peter Njogu Waweru — alleged in court to have had a romantic relationship — fraudulently moved the properties worth hundreds of millions into Rock & Pure Limited, where Waruguru holds a controlling 70% stake.
Matrimonial Property Battle
The transfers were executed without spousal consent from Zipporah Njoki Kangara, Waweru’s wife at the time. This omission sparked a four-year legal battle that has now reshaped Kenya’s interpretation of matrimonial property law under the Matrimonial Property Act and the Land Registration Act.
Justice Mutai described the scheme as a “clever ruse” by the two to disinherit Njoki, noting that the contested assets included a lavish family home in Utange, Bamburi, and surrounding investment plots.
Marriage, Family, and Acquisitions
Court documents show Njoki and Waweru married on November 20, 2010, in Nairobi, and later had three daughters. They jointly acquired properties registered as CR43865, CR43991, CR43992, CR44515, and CR44516.
Njoki told the court that she personally supervised the construction of their Utange home, contributed financially through loans, personal savings, and dividends from her company Sunrise Investments Ltd, and even sourced materials from China.
However, in 2021, she discovered the properties had been secretly transferred to Rock & Pure Ltd, incorporated just a year earlier in 2020. “I did not give any spousal consent. The transfers were fraudulent and meant to lock me and my children out,” she testified.
Claims of Intimidation and Abuse
Njoki further alleged that Waruguru intimidated her during a visit to the matrimonial home, accompanied by Waweru. She testified that the former MP spilled unidentified liquids in the house, claiming to “cast out demons,” while Waweru allegedly assaulted her.
Her lawyers, Derrick Odhiambo & Company Advocates, argued that the scheme was a calculated attempt to dispossess her despite an existing caution on the property titles.
Waweru and Waruguru’s Defence
Waweru admitted transferring the properties but denied they were matrimonial, insisting he purchased them independently. He told the court that spousal consent was unnecessary and claimed the properties were later sold to Patricia Nyambura, who bought them from Rock & Pure.
Represented by lawyer Mr. Obonyo, Waweru and Waruguru dismissed Njoki’s claims, insisting she had failed to prove any direct financial contribution. They argued that Njoki sought to “enrich herself without evidence.”
Court’s Landmark Decision
Njoki’s lawyers countered that contribution in marriage extends beyond finances to include childcare, domestic work, companionship, and family business management, as defined under the Matrimonial Property Act.
Justice Mutai agreed, ruling that the transfers were unlawful because spousal consent had not been obtained. He declared the transactions “null and void,” marking a landmark precedent for matrimonial property rights in Kenya.
Wider Implications
The case has ignited national debate about women’s property rights in marriage, spousal consent, and the legal loopholes that wealthy individuals may exploit. Analysts note the judgment could influence future disputes involving matrimonial property and strengthen protections for spouses.
