Nairobi, April 26 -- He was president for over two decades and ruled with an iron fist, condemning anyone who dared to stand in his way to a life of abjection and penury. At his death he was regarded an African statesman and one of the wealthiest individuals in the country, and indeed the continent.

But just four years after his death, some members of the family of former President Daniel arap Moi can barely afford basics, including medical care.

A succession battle that is playing out in court has kept the millions he left in banks, where they lie untouched as some of his kin struggle to make ends meet.

The fate of the larger Moi family played out in Nakuru on Wednesday during a fundraiser in aid of the former head of state's 14-year-...