A family in Tongaren, Bungoma County, is grieving two painful deaths while accusing lawyer Hudson Sitati Wamukota of taking advantage of them after the loss of their loved one in a road accident.
What began as a search for justice after the death of Job Simiyu Wafula has now turned into a deeper family tragedy marked by financial loss, stress, and another death.
Job Simiyu Wafula died in a fatal road accident in Kirinyaga County on January 24, 2026.
Following his death, the family approached Hudson Sitati Wamukota, who was operating under the name Hudson Sitati & Company Advocates, hoping he would help them pursue compensation for the accident.
According to the family, the lawyer promised them that they would receive at least Sh20 million in compensation. Trusting his word, David Wanjala Siundu and other relatives reportedly gave him more than Sh1.5 million over a period of about two months.
The money was handed over in the hope that it would help process the case and secure justice for the family.
However, the family later discovered there was no proper legal agreement or signed client brief between them and the lawyer, something required under the law.
They now claim they were misled at a time when they were emotionally vulnerable and desperate for help after losing their relative.
The situation became even more painful after the family says the stress from losing the money badly affected Esther Naliaka, the wife of David Wanjala.
In April, she reportedly developed high blood pressure as the pressure surrounding the matter increased. On a recent Wednesday morning, she passed away. Her body is currently lying at Kiminini Hospital mortuary.
Relatives believe the emotional and financial burden caused by the incident contributed to her death. They also say their small shop business collapsed after they used most of their savings trying to follow up on the compensation case.
With little stock left and mounting problems, the business was eventually shut down.
The lawyer has reportedly admitted receiving the money but has not refunded it, instead giving explanations that the family says have only increased their frustration.
The matter has since been reported to the Advocates Complaints Commission and the Law Society of Kenya, although the family says action has been slow.
The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has now stepped in to support the family. COFEK lawyers have taken over the original accident case in Kerugoya and are also pushing for civil, criminal, and disciplinary action against the lawyer.
For the Bungoma family, what started as grief after one death has now left them facing even greater pain as they continue searching for justice and accountability.
