A legal battle that stretched for nearly a decade has ended dramatically after a court ordered a woman to refund KSh 15 million to Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., following DNA results that confirmed he is not the biological father of the child at the centre of the dispute.
The ruling brings to a close one of Kenya’s most closely followed paternity cases, ending years of courtroom battles, public scrutiny, and millions of shillings spent on child support.
The dispute began in 2016 when Victoria Ndunge Musyoki filed a case at the Milimani Children’s Court, claiming that Governor Mutula had fathered her child. She sought financial support, maintenance, and housing for the child.
During the years the case remained active, the governor reportedly complied with court orders and provided substantial financial support. It is estimated that he paid about KSh 15 million in child upkeep, rent, and other related expenses while the matter was being determined.
However, questions over the child’s paternity continued to dominate the proceedings.
According to court records, Musyoki repeatedly challenged requests for a DNA test. Eventually, the court ordered the test, and the results delivered a stunning twist.
The DNA analysis conclusively established that Governor Mutula was not the child’s biological father.
Following the results, the court dismissed Musyoki’s claims, finding that there was no factual basis for the paternity allegations.
Governor Mutula then filed a countersuit, arguing that he had suffered significant financial losses, emotional distress, and damage to his reputation after spending nearly ten years defending himself against the claims.
In a consent order dated September 25, 2025, the court directed Musyoki to refund the entire KSh 15 million that the governor had paid over the years. The order stated that if necessary, she should sell her property to raise the money.
Despite the directive, Musyoki failed to comply with the repayment order. She was later arrested and spent time at Lang’ata Women’s Prison before being released.
The court has now given her three months to sell her multi-million-shilling property and settle the debt owed to the governor.
The governor’s office has since indicated that it considers the matter concluded, bringing an end to a case that attracted widespread public attention and sparked debate over paternity disputes, DNA testing, and accountability in family court proceedings.
