The High Court has dismissed a claim by a United States based Kenyan woman who alleged that she was the widow of former Cabinet Minister and powerful civil servant Simeon Nyachae, delivering a major win to Nyachae’s family.

Justice Eric Ogola found that Margaret Chweya had failed to prove that she was lawfully married to the late Simeon Nyachae.

The judge further ruled that her two sons could not be recognised as dependants of the deceased, noting that their biological fathers are alive.

“Pictures on their own cannot prove marriage,” Justice Ogola ruled, stressing that marriage must be demonstrated through clear evidence recognised in law, including proof of customary rites, a civil ceremony, or consistent cohabitation coupled with public repute.

The dispute arose from succession proceedings in which Margaret Chweya moved to court claiming spousal and dependency rights over Nyachae’s estate.

She argued that she had been married to the former minister and supported her claim by presenting photographs allegedly showing her with Nyachae during his lifetime.

However, the court rejected the claim, holding that photographs alone were insufficient to establish the existence of a valid marriage under Kenyan law.