Legal Battle Commences for Late Pepsi Executive William Mulwa's Sh500 Million Estate
Japheth Matemu, representing Edward Nzesya Mutilangi, has formally petitioned the Westchester County Surrogate's Court in New York, seeking the appointment of Mutilangi as the administrator of his late brother's estate.
The deceased, William Mulwa Mutilangi, a high-ranking PepsiCo executive from Kenya, died under unclear circumstances last year. A Tanzanian national named Bakari Kisalu Malanda has emerged, claiming to be Mulwa's son. Malanda allegedly authorized the cremation of Mulwa's body and has been attempting to acquire his assets in Nairobi and New York. The estimated value of Mulwa's estate in the US is approximately $500,000, consisting of a townhouse in Peekskill township, a 2017 BMW sports utility vehicle, life insurance, employee death benefits, and registered patents with PepsiCo.
Mr. Matemu has contacted PepsiCo and the US Internal Revenue Service for relevant documents, but as of now, none have been received. The petition, filed on January 29, includes Mulwa's five surviving siblings as potential beneficiaries. Consent from all siblings is required before Judge Brandon Sall can grant Nzesya a "Letter of Administration," allowing him to act as the estate's executor and trustee. Despite the siblings maintaining Mulwa's single status, Bakari insists he is Mulwa's son, citing a purported will leaving the estate to him.
On October 24, 2023, Bakari granted power of attorney to Peter Nderitu Githinji, based in New Jersey, allowing him to make decisions on behalf of the executor. Probate procedures are pending, with Matemu required to provide proper notice to all five siblings. The complexity of New York State regulations and the involvement of parties from different countries may extend the resolution timeline.
On January 29, Matemu discovered signs of forced entry into Mulwa's Peekskill township residence. The house was in disarray, with missing documents prompting Matemu to change the locks as a precautionary measure. The probate hearing date is yet to be set, and the filing indicates Mulwa did not have a spouse or child.