Meet Mwai Kibaki’s Alleged Firstborn

The late President Mwai Kibaki is remembered as a calm and laid-back individual, known for not only his reserved personality but also his quiet demeanor.

Despite his private nature, Mwai Kibaki’s personal life was not without challenges, as a man named Jacob Ocholla claimed to be his firstborn son years ago.

The revelation came as a shock to many Kenyans when Ocholla claimed to be the late Mwai Kibaki’s biological son. According to the Nairobi-based man, he learned about his relationship with Kibaki in 1981, shortly after his adoptive father’s death. It was then that his mother revealed that Kibaki was his real father in what would change his life forever.

Revelation of Paternity

Born on July 22, 1960, in Nairobi’s Kaloleni Estate, Jacob Ocholla grew up believing that Hillary Ocholla was his biological father. Unfortunately, Hillary passed away on January 28, 1981. Following his death, Jacob’s mother, Jane Hilda Ocholla, revealed that Mwai Kibaki was his real father, news that left him deeply shocked and confused.

“It was the most shocking thing I had ever heard. The news left me distraught with so many unanswered questions.” Jacob Ocholla told the standard in a previous interview.

Hilda then vowed to introduce her son to Mwai Kibaki. In March 1981, the two met Kibaki, who was the Vice President at the time, at the Hilton Hotel in Nairobi. Although Jacob was still doubtful after meeting his biological father, his mother confirmed that Kibaki was indeed his dad.

Interestingly, Mwai Kibaki had been a close friend of Ocholla’s adoptive father since their days at Makerere University.

Kibaki’s Response and Relationship

According to Jacob Ocholla, during their meeting, Kibaki openly acknowledged him as his son. After their first encounter, Kibaki and Ocholla maintained contact, and during their subsequent meetings, the late President reportedly assured him of a fair share of his inheritance.

Years later, Kibaki allegedly visited Jacob Ocholla’s mother when she was hospitalized in Nairobi and Aga Khan hospitals. Sadly, she died 10 days later. Also, according to Ocholla, he attended a pre-funeral service for former First Lady Lucy Kibaki at Consolata Shrine. Kibaki appreciated him for his attendance.

Despite his good relationship with Kibaki (before his death), his efforts to unite with the late President’s children have been in vain. His alleged half siblings are yet to recognise him. In the recent past, Jacob Ocholla, has sued the Kibaki family in Nyeri court, seeking recognition as the firstborn son, inclusion in any will, and an equal share of Kibaki’s estate (estimated at billions of shillings, including a reported Ksh150 billion empire).