Ntimama's Legacy: Family Sues Co-Author over Unauthorized Biography

The controversy that often surrounded the late William Ronkorua Ole Ntimama in life has followed him into death, this time, not in the political arena, but in the courtroom.

A bitter legal dispute has erupted between Ntimama’s family and a former collaborator over the publication of a biography that the family claims was hijacked and published without their consent.

This week, the High Court in Milimani, Nairobi, heard an urgent application filed by Lydia Ntimama and Amos Ntimama — children of the late political titan and administrators of his estate — seeking to stop the publication and distribution of a book authored by Patu Santoo Ole Naikumi, a former family associate.

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The book, titled "Biography of William Ronkorua Ole Ntimama: A Maa Polymath, Titan and Maverick, An Icon of Resilience, Architect of Maa Renaissance," has reportedly already entered the public domain, with a cover page shared in a WhatsApp group of more than 1,000 members and a publishing deal allegedly struck with an Indian distributor.

According to court documents filed on August 6, 2025, the defendant was initially brought on board to assist with the long-delayed biography project — a project that began during Ole Ntimama’s lifetime.

Maasai Mara University — now named as an interested party in the suit — was commissioned by Ntimama over a decade ago to support the development of the manuscript.

After Ntimama died in 2016, Lydia, the first plaintiff, took over the project, retrieved the unfinished drafts from the university, and, alongside her brother Amos, set out to complete the book in line with their father’s vision.

They enlisted Naikumi as a volunteer co-author to handle select chapters, particularly those covering Ntimama’s political life — with no agreement for financial compensation.

However, the plaintiffs now allege that Naikumi failed to deliver his assigned chapters and instead turned the project into a personal venture.

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Despite gaining access to confidential family archives and manuscripts under the guise of collaboration, he allegedly authored and prepared to publish the biography independently, without notifying the family or Maasai Mara University.

Naikumi acknowledged receipt of the court documents via email and defended his actions. He argued that his request for compensation was justified, citing six months of research work, conducted three days a week. He claimed the total cost amounted to Sh1, 180,000, including Sh1 million for typesetting and synchronising the research materials, and a 20 per cent share of any future book sales.

Presiding over the matter, Lady Justice Stella Mutuku issued interim injunctive orders on August 7, 2025, barring Naikumi from publishing, promoting, or distributing the book until the case is fully heard. The matter is scheduled for mention on October 23, 2025.

The plaintiffs argue that Naikumi’s actions amount to copyright infringement, breach of trust, and misappropriation of proprietary information.

They claim he exploited the trust placed in him, accessed sensitive family material, and monetized the content without consent — depriving the estate of rightful ownership and revenue.

In their filings, the Ntimama family says they have suffered substantial losses, including loss of exclusive publishing rights, lost royalties and licensing opportunities, and canceled contracts with potential publishers upon discovery of the unauthorized manuscript.

They further contend that the unauthorized release jeopardizes their efforts to finalize an accurate and respectful account of their father’s life — a project originally conceived in partnership with Maasai Mara University, and one they describe as carrying deep personal and historical significance.

The plaintiffs are seeking a permanent injunction, an order compelling the defendant to account for any proceeds earned, and general damages for copyright infringement and loss of publishing opportunities.

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