After more than a decade of legal wrangling, Kenyan marathon star Lucy Wangui Kabuu has finally drawn the curtain on a protracted matrimonial property dispute, securing assets valued at about Ksh 70 million following a decisive court ruling against her former husband, Jeremiah Maina.

The judgment, first reported by Nation Sport, brings to an end a case that has stretched since 2014, marked by complex claims over land, houses, rental developments and vehicles spread across several counties. Maina had moved to court seeking an equal share of the wealth accumulated during their marriage, arguing that he played a central role in acquiring and managing the properties.

However, the court took a different view. In a detailed ruling, the judge found that Kabuu was the principal income earner throughout the relationship, with her international athletics career forming the backbone of the couple’s financial growth. Evidence presented showed that she earned substantial prize money from major marathon appearances between 2012 and 2013, income that the court said directly funded the acquisition of most of the contested assets.

The court further noted that Kabuu had, at the time, entrusted the management of her earnings to Maina, a decision that later complicated ownership claims once the relationship deteriorated. Despite Maina’s assertions that he contributed financially, the court found his explanations inconsistent and unsupported by credible documentation. In some instances, records presented were found to contradict his own testimony, including claims relating to the sale of a vehicle to raise capital.

As a result, Kabuu was awarded full ownership of several residential and rental properties located in Nairobi, Nakuru and Nyandarua counties, having demonstrated direct purchase and development through her earnings. The former matrimonial home in Nyahururu was the only property ordered to be shared, with Kabuu receiving an 80 per cent stake and Maina 20 per cent.

The judgment also took issue with Maina’s conduct during the proceedings. The court observed that some properties were sold while the case was still active, in defiance of court orders. These actions weighed heavily against him when determining the final distribution. He has now been directed to transfer any remaining properties registered in his name to Kabuu within 60 days.

In her testimony, Kabuu told the court that the relationship eventually became strained, forcing her to leave the shared home. Allegations of mistreatment were referenced during the hearings, adding another layer to a dispute that has lingered for years.

With the ruling delivered, the case finally closes a difficult chapter in the life of one of Kenya’s celebrated distance runners, reaffirming the court’s position on contribution, proof and fairness in matrimonial property disputes.