Big Twist as Plovers’ Haunt Limited Accuses Guy Spencer Elms of Fraud, Vows to Appeal High Court Verdict in Ex-Billionaire’s Will Dispute

Plovers’ Haunt Limited has announced plans to challenge a recent High Court ruling that upheld the validity of the will of late British billionaire and conservationist Roger Bryan Robson, who died in Nairobi in 2012.

The Family Division of the High Court dismissed objections filed by Plovers’ Haunt Limited and Nairobi businesswoman Agnes Kagure Kariuki, who had contested the authenticity of the will.

The parties alleged that Robson had transferred portions of his vast estate to them before his death.

However, Justice H.K. Chemitei ruled on June 20 that the will was valid and enforceable.

Plovers’ Haunt now says it will appeal the decision at the Court of Appeal, leveling serious fraud accusations against the estate’s executor, lawyer Guy Spencer Elms.

The company claims that Elms falsified a company ownership document (CR12) in September 2015 to list himself and his wife as directors. A Deputy Solicitor General testified in court that the document’s signature had been forged.

Two forensic experts testified that the forgeries were “so clear even the naked eye could see them,” particularly when comparing Roger’s brother Michael Fairfax’s signature to his official signature on his British passport and an agreement with his brother Roger.

In its appeal, Plovers’ Haunt is seeking to have the grant of probate revoked, citing “fraudulent concealment” as grounds under the Law of Succession Act. Elms’ legal team has yet to respond to the latest accusations.

The legal battle, filed under Succession Cause No. 955 of 2013, involves the distribution of Robson’s multi-million-shilling estate, which includes valuable properties in Kenya.

The case has attracted significant public interest, with claims of forgery, property fraud, and competing claims to the estate’s assets.

As the matter moves to the Court of Appeal, this high-profile succession dispute enters a new phase, potentially setting key precedents in estate administration and succession law in Kenya.