Court News

The Justice and Equity Council Kenya (UK Chapter), led by Chairman Sebastian Ochieng Onyango, has launched enforcement action after filing complaints with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

The Council says it based its complaints on audit findings and publicly available financial records. It argues that the records raise concerns about possible financial impropriety, unlawful enrichment, and economic crimes.

eCitizen platform financial irregularities under investigation

The Council’s complaint to the EACC highlights concerns over the management of the eCitizen platform.

The Council refers to findings linked to the Auditor-General that point to possible financial gaps and governance issues.

It claims that about KSh2.57 billion remains unaccounted for. The Council also alleges that some public funds may have moved through irregular channels.

The complaint further raises concerns about payments made outside approved contractual arrangements.

According to the Council, weak oversight systems may have created opportunities for the misuse of public resources.

The organisation says authorities should investigate whether these actions violated the Constitution of Kenya, the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, and the Public Finance Management Act.

Council requests tax and source of funds review

The Council has also submitted a complaint to the Kenya Revenue Authority seeking a review of public donations and fundraising activities.

It wants the KRA to examine the source of the funds, their legality, and whether the relevant parties met their tax obligations.

The Council has questioned whether some financial transactions could amount to unexplained wealth or involve proceeds of crime.

It believes a forensic review will help establish whether the funds followed legal and transparent channels.

Council calls for accountability

The Justice and Equity Council Kenya maintains that no person or institution should operate above the law.

The organisation says public resources require proper management and strict accountability.

It wants authorities to investigate any cases of unlawful enrichment and take legal action where necessary.

The Council adds that any recovered public funds should return to their intended purpose.

Action not Politically motivated

The Council says its complaints focus on accountability and protecting public interest rather than political interests.

It has urged investigative agencies to handle the matter independently and act within the law.

The organisation says transparency and responsible management of public resources remain essential for strengthening public trust.

A Russian national, Kristina Berman, has secured temporary relief after the High Court in Nairobi stopped her planned prosecution.

The court issued the orders pending the hearing of her constitutional petition, which challenges the decision to charge her.

High court suspends DPP’s decision to charge Berman

Justice Patricia Mande Nyaundi issued the orders on April 23, 2026. She suspended the decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to file criminal charges against Berman.

The court stated that the conservatory order would remain in place until the parties appear for an inter partes hearing.

The court also directed the parties to return on June 9, 2026, for compliance and further directions.

Berman challenges intended prosecution

Berman, through her lawyer Robinson Kigen, argues that the planned prosecution misuses the criminal justice system.

She claims the charges serve an external purpose and are malicious, oppressive, and intended to help her estranged husband settle personal disputes.

Court documents show that Berman married Mikhail Berman in November 2013. She later moved to Kenya in January 2014, where she lived with her husband and their child.

Marriage dispute and alleged pressure to leave Kenya

According to Berman’s petition, the marriage later collapsed after she experienced emotional and psychological abuse.

She claims that between January and April 2025, her husband pressured her to travel to Russia to begin divorce proceedings.

Berman alleges that her husband threatened to withdraw financial support and cancel her dependant’s pass if she refused to leave Kenya.

She travelled to Moscow on April 7, 2025. After her departure, she claims her husband took custody of their child and increased pressure to stop her from returning.

Property and business dispute

The dispute also involves Bright Villa Limited, a company where the couple jointly owns property in Karen.

Berman alleges that her husband attempted to transfer her shares using forged documents while she was away in Russia.

She claims the documents included a fake affidavit, resignation letter, and company minutes.

Berman also alleges that someone fraudulently transferred and sold her motor vehicle using a fake court order.

She says the court later confirmed that it had never issued such an order.

Claims of unequal treatment by authorities

Berman says she reported the alleged fraudulent transactions but authorities failed to take action against her husband.

She argues that instead, officials moved forward with criminal charges against her based on false allegations.

The petition also highlights an ongoing child custody dispute.

Berman claims her husband made false reports at Lang’ata Police Station accusing her of assaulting their child.

She argues that the allegations aimed to intimidate her and weaken her position in custody and property proceedings.

Dispute over cancellation of dependant’s pass

Berman further claims immigration authorities cancelled her dependant’s pass without giving her prior notice.

She says officers informed her about the cancellation when they took her to immigration offices.

Berman argues that the action violated her constitutional right to fair administrative action.

Court blocks arrest and prosecution

The High Court order prevents authorities from arresting or prosecuting Berman until the court determines whether her constitutional rights were violated.

The case will examine claims surrounding the alleged misuse of criminal proceedings in private disputes.

It will also address issues involving fair administrative action, property rights, and access to justice.

Daniel Mwangi Mbugua and Wanjiru Mwangi have filed a petition at the High Court in Kiambu seeking urgent intervention over an alleged violent occupation of their 248-acre property.

In Constitutional Petition No. E029 of 2026, the petitioners accuse several state agencies of failing to protect their land.

They claim armed individuals organised and carried out a forceful invasion of the property.

Alleged occupation of Kiambu property

The petitioners claim that about 20 armed men entered their freehold property on April 11, 2026.

They allege that the group unlawfully fenced off sections of the land using iron sheets.

According to the petition, the individuals remain on the property and continue occupying parts of the land.

The petitioners have also raised concerns over alleged excavation work near overflow pipes connected to a riparian dam on the property.

They warn that damage to the dam’s infrastructure could cause flooding and threaten nearby residents and surrounding properties.

State officials named in petition

The petition names Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, and Gatundu North MP Elijah Kururia.

The petitioners claim they saw Murkomen at the property while he travelled with a convoy.

They also allege that Sudi and Kururia directed police officers who arrived at the scene.

The petitioners further accuse officers from Runda and Kiambu police stations of failing to respond to their complaints.

They claim the officers protected the alleged occupants instead of taking action.

Orders requested from the court

The petitioners want the court to order investigations into the alleged invasion.

They also want authorities to investigate the conduct of the officials named in the petition.

In addition, they seek immediate police protection for the property and preservation of evidence linked to the dispute.

They have asked the court to allow access to telecommunications and financial records that could support investigations.

The petitioners are also seeking KSh100 million in compensation.

They cite emotional distress, financial losses, and alleged violations of their constitutional rights.

Court gives directions

Justice Bahati Mwamuye heard the matter on April 21, 2026.

The court directed the petitioners to serve all respondents and interested parties.

It also ordered them to file an affidavit of service by April 24, 2026.

Respondents and interested parties have until May 8, 2026, to file and serve their responses.

The petitioners may file a rejoinder by May 15, 2026, if required.

The court will mention the case on May 19, 2026, for compliance and further directions.

Case focus

The petition raises concerns about alleged unlawful occupation, abuse of power, and police inaction.

The petitioners argue that the court must act quickly to protect their property rights.

They also want measures to safeguard the environment and prevent a possible public safety risk.

Abdul Hassan Tahalil, a director of Skyline Works Ltd, has been arraigned before the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court and charged with offences linked to a disputed parcel of land in Eastleigh valued at Ksh25 million.

Appearing before court, Tahalil faced two counts; forgery of a document of title to land contrary to Section 350(1) of the Penal Code and uttering a false document contrary to Section 353 of the Penal Code.

According to the charge sheet, the prosecution alleges that Tahalil, “on or before 10th August 2022, at unknown place within the Republic of Kenya, jointly with others not before court, with intent to defraud Mary Wairimu Muhoro of a parcel of land LR NO.36/1/18 situated in Eastleigh area valued at Kshs.25,000,000, forged a document of title to land namely an Indenture purporting it to be a genuine and valid Indenture drawn by the firm of CK Advocates.”

In a second count, the court heard that, “on the 30th November 2022, at Environment and Land Court Milimani in Nairobi, knowingly and fraudulently uttered a certain forged document namely an Indenture for parcel of land LR NO.36/1/18 to the Environment and Land Court in civil suit number 409 of 2022 purporting it to be a genuine Indenture drawn by the firm of CK Advocates.”

The prosecution further urged the court that the individuals not before court be traced and arrested to face similar charges.

Court records indicate that Tahalil was arrested on April 23, 2026, and presented in court on April 24, 2026, where he took plea.

The court granted him bond of Ksh1 million with an alternative cash bail of Ksh500,000.

The matter is scheduled for mention on May 6, 2026.

Daniel Mwangi Mbugua and Wanjiru Mwangi have filed a petition at the High Court in Kiambu seeking urgent intervention over an alleged occupation of their 248-acre property.

In Constitutional Petition No. E029 of 2026, the petitioners accuse state agencies of failing to protect their land.

They claim armed individuals carried out an organised and forceful invasion of the property.

Alleged occupation of 248-acre property

The petitioners allege that about 20 armed men entered their freehold property in Kiambu on April 11, 2026.

They claim the group fenced off sections of the land using iron sheets without permission.

The petitioners say the individuals remain on the property and continue occupying parts of the land.

They have also raised concerns over alleged excavation near overflow pipes connected to a riparian dam.

The petitioners warn that damage to the dam’s infrastructure could cause flooding and endanger nearby residents and properties.

Officials mentioned in the petition

The petition names Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, and Gatundu North MP Elijah Kururia.

The petitioners claim they saw Murkomen at the property while he travelled with a convoy.

They also allege that Sudi and Kururia gave instructions to police officers at the scene.

The petitioners accuse officers from Runda and Kiambu police stations of failing to respond to their complaints.

They claim the officers instead protected the alleged occupants.

Court orders requested

The petitioners want the court to order investigations into the alleged invasion.

They also want authorities to examine the conduct of the officials named in the petition.

The applicants seek immediate police protection for the property and preservation of evidence.

They are also asking the court to allow access to telecommunications and financial records that may support investigations.

The petitioners are seeking KSh100 million in compensation.

They cite emotional distress, financial losses, and alleged violations of their constitutional rights.

Court gives directions

Justice Bahati Mwamuye heard the matter on April 21, 2026.

The court directed the petitioners to serve all respondents and interested parties.

It also ordered them to file an affidavit of service by April 24, 2026.

Respondents and interested parties have until May 8, 2026, to file their responses.

The petitioners can file a rejoinder by May 15, 2026, if necessary.

The court will mention the case on May 19, 2026, for compliance and further directions.

Summary of the land dispute

The petition raises concerns about alleged unlawful occupation, abuse of power, and police inaction.

The petitioners want urgent court action to protect their property rights.

They also seek measures to preserve the environment and prevent a possible public safety threat.

Activist Francis Awino Onyango has condemned the criminal case against him.

The Mtetezi Rights Group convener says the prosecution aims to intimidate him and stop his activism.

He also claims the case targets his legal challenges against Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General Prof. Erastus Kanga and other public officials.

Mtetezi rights group legal fight against KWS

Awino has already filed a constitutional petition challenging procurement decisions and governance at KWS.

He says the petition seeks greater transparency, accountability, and integrity in the management of public resources.

According to his court filings, he filed the case to defend the Constitution, uphold the rule of law, and protect the public interest.

Arrest and court appearance

Police arrested Awino on April 22, 2026, as he travelled to file documents related to the petition.

Authorities presented him before the Milimani Law Courts the following day.

Awino argues that the prosecution seeks to silence his activism and damage his reputation.

“At the opportune time I will prove that this prosecution is motivated by malice,” he told the court.

Activist links charges to energy sector campaign

Awino says the charges came about two weeks after unknown people attacked him.

The attack followed his criticism of the fuel crisis, rising pump prices, and fuel shortages affecting Kenyans.

Doctors later admitted him to Karen Hospital for treatment.

He also links the case to his campaign for accountability in the energy sector.

Awino has repeatedly called for the resignation of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi over the fuel crisis.

Additional petition and bail

The court also heard that Awino filed another petition challenging an insurance cover for KWS employees.

He claims the current KWS leadership handled the insurance arrangement irregularly.

Despite the charges, the court granted Awino bail of KSh200,000 or an alternative bond of KSh1 million.

The ruling allows him to remain free as the case continues.

Next court date

The court scheduled the matter for mention on May 7, 2026.

The legal proceedings continue as questions over the activist’s prosecution and his constitutional petitions remain before the court.

A Nairobi court at the Employment and Labour Relations Court has ordered the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to reinstate Vivian Nyakerario Ongwae, a flight operations inspector whose contract was not renewed.

Vivian Nyakerario Ongwae moved to court under Petition No. E206 of 2024, challenging the authority’s decision not to renew her contract.

The Claims

Ongwae told the court that she had worked as a Flight Operations Inspector since 2016 under successive contracts, and that her last contract expired on December 31, 2023 despite a recommendation for renewal by her supervisor. She said KCAA did not give notice or explain why her contract was not renewed.

Court Findings

The court found that KCAA’s actions violated her constitutional rights, including the right to fair labour practices and fair administrative action.
“The respondent’s failure to communicate the decision and reasons for non-renewal was procedurally unfair and fell short of constitutional and statutory requirements,” the court ruled.

Court Orders

The court ordered the reinstatement of Vivian Nyakerario Ongwae, renewal of her contract for five years from January 1, 2024, payment of salary arrears, and compensation equivalent to 12 months’ salary (KSh 2,221,104). It also barred KCAA from hiring a replacement.

Execution Proceedings

After the judgment, KCAA did not settle the amount, prompting execution proceedings.
The court later issued a garnishee order against Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), directing the bank to release KSh 2,221,104 from KCAA’s account to the petitioner.

Court documents showed that as of November 27, 2025, the account held about KSh 861 million, enough to settle the amount.

Case Summary

Case Number: Petition No. E206 of 2024
Court: Employment and Labour Relations Court, Nairobi
Next Step: Execution of court orders
Complainant: Vivian Nyakerario Ongwae

The Milimani High Court on Tuesday heard testimony from Airbnb operator Florence Ngina in the Florence Ngina Starlet Wahu case.

Ngina explained how a referral booking led to the occupation of Unit Y32 at Papino Apartments in South C.

The booking took place on January 3, 2024. Authorities later found socialite Starlet Wahu Mwangi dead in the same apartment.

Florence Ngina explains the referral booking

Ngina manages Unit Y32 on the fourth floor of Block B at Papino Apartments.

She told Justice Alexander Muteti that another Airbnb operator, Charity, contacted her at about 6:00 p.m.

Charity said another host, Jane, had a client looking for a one-bedroom apartment with a balcony.

Ngina told the court that she had a standing referral agreement with Jane.

Under the arrangement, Jane received a KSh500 commission for every successful referral.

After confirming that the apartment was clean and available, Ngina approved the booking.

Client arrives at the apartment

Ngina testified that Jane later shared the client’s details with her.

The client then contacted her directly and arrived at the apartment that evening.

Ngina said she instructed security officers to allow the guest into the compound.

She explained that Papino Apartments requires hosts to clear every visitor before entry.

Security officers recorded the guest’s details in the security register before directing the client to Unit Y32.

Ngina then met the guest, confirmed the apartment’s condition, and completed the check-in process.

Security procedures at Papino apartments

The court heard that Papino Apartments follows strict security procedures.

Security officers record every visitor in the Security Desk Book at the main gate.

Hosts must approve visitors before security officers allow them to enter the building.

Ngina also told the court that security officers remain on duty throughout the day and night.

They document all movements in the Occurrence Book.

Referral fee arrangement

Ngina told the court that she later paid Jane the agreed KSh500 referral commission.

She described the referral system as a common practice among Airbnb operators who share clients within the building.

Prosecution links booking to murder investigation

The prosecution relies on Ngina’s testimony to explain how John Matara allegedly accessed Unit Y32.

Prosecutors claim he secured the apartment through the referral booking arrangement.

They argue that the system enabled the booking on the night Starlet Wahu Mwangi died.

Next court date

The court will mention the matter again on April 27, 2026.

The judge expects witness testimony to conclude before the case proceeds to judgment, which is scheduled for June 2026.

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has secured a legal reprieve after the Tax Appeals Tribunal ordered the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to unfreeze his bank accounts.

In orders issued on Friday, April 17, the Tribunal directed KRA to lift agency notices that had frozen multiple accounts held at Equity Bank Kenya Limited, granting Sonko access to his funds pending the hearing and determination of his tax appeal.

The decision, reached by consent of both parties, follows earlier interim orders issued on April 14, when the Tribunal certified the matter as urgent and temporarily barred KRA from enforcing the same agency notices.

At the time, enforcement actions, including the freezing of accounts, were halted ahead of an inter partes hearing scheduled for April 17.

Friday’s ruling now affirms that temporary relief, allowing Sonko access to his funds as the substantive tax dispute proceeds.

The development comes a day after the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) opened a probe into Equity Bank over allegations that it failed to comply with a High Court order to lift restrictions on accounts linked to the former governor.

In a letter dated April 16, the regulator confirmed it had received a formal complaint accusing the bank of defying directives issued by the High Court’s Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division in a case involving the Asset Recovery Agency and Sonko.

CBK said it has sought clarification from the bank and will issue a comprehensive response once investigations are complete.

The developments highlight the ongoing complexity of Sonko’s legal battles, which now span tax disputes, court enforcement orders and regulatory oversight of financial institutions.

While the Tribunal’s decision offers immediate relief, the substantive case remains pending, with the final determination expected to address the legality of KRA’s enforcement actions.