Kenya Insights

Tag: Anne Amadi

  • EXCLUSIVE: Nanok’s Former Lawyer Erastus Ethekon Emerges as Dark Horse for IEBC Chair Position

    EXCLUSIVE: Nanok’s Former Lawyer Erastus Ethekon Emerges as Dark Horse for IEBC Chair Position

    Political insiders have revealed that Erastus Edung Ethekon, a 48-year-old lawyer and former Turkana County attorney, has emerged as President William Ruto’s preferred candidate to chair the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

    While public attention has focused on prominent names like Anne Amadi and Charles Nyachae, sources close to State House suggest Ethekon’s candidacy represents a calculated political maneuver with significant implications for Kenya’s electoral future.

    The Power Behind the Throne

    Former Turkana County Governor Josphat Nanok, who was the Director General of President-elect William Ruto’s Presidential campaign during an interview at his office in Lodwar town, Turkana County on March 25, 2022.
    Turkana County Governor Josphat Nanok, who is the Director General of Deputy President William Ruto’s Presidential campaign during an interview at his office in Lodwar town, Turkana County on March 25, 2022.
    JARED NYATAYA (Eldoret).

    Ethekon’s path to consideration runs through Josphat Nanok, President Ruto’s influential deputy chief of staff and former Turkana Governor.

    The two men’s professional relationship dates back to Nanok’s governorship, when Ethekon served as county attorney.

    “Ethekon’s candidacy makes perfect sense when you look at the political chess board,” explained a senior official familiar with the selection process who requested anonymity. “His connection to Nanok places him within the President’s trusted circle.”

    Nanok himself played a pivotal role in Ruto’s successful 2022 presidential campaign, cementing his position as a key strategist within the administration.

    This relationship has fueled speculation that Ethekon’s potential appointment represents a strategic effort to install an ally at the helm of Kenya’s electoral body.

    Making His Case

    During his March interview with the IEBC selection panel, Ethekon outlined ambitious plans to restore public confidence in the commission.

    He emphasized his commitment to transparent electoral processes and collaborative stakeholder engagement.

    “I have the energy and experience to lead,” Ethekon told the panel, addressing concerns about his relative youth compared to other candidates.

    His vision includes implementing internal reforms that would allow commissioners to formally register dissenting opinions, potentially preventing the post-election disputes that have plagued previous electoral cycles.

    Professionally, Ethekon built his reputation in Turkana County, where his legal expertise contributed to several development initiatives, including securing funding for community projects and launching an investment portal in partnership with the International Finance Corporation.

    Questions of Integrity

    Ethekon’s candidacy has not escaped scrutiny.

    Unconfirmed reports suggest financial irregularities occurred during his tenure in Turkana’s county government.

    These allegations point to inflated pending bills and questionable spending patterns, including substantial daily expenditures on travel and per diems during COVID-19 restrictions.

    Critics also highlight the operation of unauthorized bank accounts within the Turkana County Executive and alleged misappropriation of COVID-19 emergency funds during this period.

    However, no official records directly implicate Ethekon in any wrongdoing, and his public service record shows involvement in peace initiatives and administrative appointments.

    Strategic Diversion?

    Political analysts suggest the prominence given to candidates like Amadi and Nyachae may represent a deliberate strategy to deflect attention from Ethekon’s candidacy until an official announcement is made.

    “The President understands the significance of controlling the electoral commission,” noted another source close to the selection process. “Floating other names creates breathing room for the actual appointment.”

    What It Means

    The IEBC chairperson wields considerable influence over Kenya’s electoral framework.

    The appointment of Ethekon would likely face intense scrutiny regarding the commission’s independence, particularly given his connections to influential figures within the current administration.

    As the selection process enters its final stages, Kenyans await an official announcement that will either confirm these insider claims or redirect the national conversation about the future of electoral management in the country.

    The IEBC, tasked with ensuring free and fair elections, continues to represent a critical institution in Kenya’s democratic landscape—making the identity of its next leader a matter of significant public interest.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

  • Kenya’s Chief Registrar Of Judiciary Anne Amadi Charged In Court Of Appeal In Alleged Gold Fraud

    Kenya’s Chief Registrar Of Judiciary Anne Amadi Charged In Court Of Appeal In Alleged Gold Fraud

    The Appellate Court has certified as urgent an application by a Dubai-based gold trading company as urgent as it seeks to overturn a decision absolving chief registrar of Judiciary Anne Amadi of any blame in a gold fraud.

    Bruton Gold Trading LLC moved to the Court of Appeal after the High Court unfroze the bank accounts of Amadi saying she was not involved in the day to day running of the law firm even though it was registered in her name.

    The firm accuses Amadi, her son Brian Ochieng’ and four others of defrauding it of $742,206 1,500kg of gold bars in 2021, has now taken the dispute before the Court of Appeal.

    The company wants in the application the court to issue an injunction restraining Amadi, her son and his partner Andrew Kiarie or their agents from accessing, operating and or withdrawing funds from domiciled at ABC Bank, Green House Mall, Nairobi.

    The bank account, registered in the name of Amadi & Associates, Advocates was initially frozen only for the freeze to be lifted following an application by Amadi saying she resigned from the law firm after joining the Judiciary in 2014.

    “The Court be pleased to Order that the personal bank accounts registered to the 1st 2nd 3rd and 5th Defendant/Respondents domicile at any bank within the Republic of Kenya, in the names the 1st 2nd 3rd and 5th defendant/ respondents, be frozen, and that no funds whatsoever, be withdrawn from the accounts without an express order of the Court pending the hearing and determination of the application,” pleads the company.

    The company wants the intended appeal be heard expeditiously and on priority basis.

    According to the company, Brian and the law firm, together with Ndegwa and Edward Taylor alias Mboronda Seyenkulo illegally obtained from the company $627,406.48 towards the purchase of gold, which was to be delivered in Dubai.

    The directors of the gold trading company were allegedly introduced by Edward Taylor, to Daniel Kangara Ndegwa (Alias Dan Muriithi) who at the time it was alleged was an officer of Universal Global Logistics Limited (“UGL”), which entity was in the gold export business and could export gold from Kenya to Dubai.

    The agreement between the parties was that Ndegwa was to deliver gold to Dubai for sale (at the company’s cost) after which sale the company would be reimbursed its total costs for export and be paid a commission of 10% of the market value of the Gold at point and time of sale.

    On the understanding that UGL could facilitate the export of gold, the Applicant entered into a transaction with UGL, who were represented by the 1st Respondent’s Law Firm of Amadi and Associates, Advocates, for the export of 1,500 kg of gold bars allegedly ultimately owned by the 6th Respondent and his family from Kenya to Dubai.

    A total of US$ 592,970 was sent to Amadi’s firm via bank transfer by Aeras DWC LLC, company’s sister on behalf of the company into Amadi’s law firm account, number held by Amadi and Associates Advocates at ABC Bank.
    The consignment was not delivered as agreed according to Bruton Gold.

  • Anne Amadi’s Link To Alleged Gold Fraud A Risk To Judiciary Reputation, CJ Koome Must Act Fast

    Anne Amadi’s Link To Alleged Gold Fraud A Risk To Judiciary Reputation, CJ Koome Must Act Fast

    Chief Registrar of Judiciary Anne Amadi‘s link to the Sh130 million gold scam has in the recent times out the reputation of the Kenyan judiciary in bad light given that criminal networks in the fake gold scam has been conning hundreds of millions from foreigners putting Kenya in a row with other countries.

    Amadi has distanced herself from the Sh100 million fake gold scam, saying it was her son who has been managing the law firm linked to the gold scam.

    In a fresh suit seeking to set aside orders that froze her accounts, Amadi claims that she left private practice on January 13, 2014 when she was appointed as the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary.

    Initially, Justice David Majanja was handling the case and  issued orders freezing her accounts, that of her son and two others on the application by Bruton Gold Trading LLC, a company in Dubai.

    Justice Manyanja later recused himself from the case saying he could not continue hearing the case since he sits in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) where Amadi is the secretary to the commission.

    While standing her ground maintaining that she’s innocent, Amadi’s position is beyond her personal character, she’s carrying the burden of judiciary’s reputation. Kenyans remember when the DCJ Nancy Barasa pinched a guard’s nose, she was forced to resign. What Amadi is being accused of is way bigger than that.

    While weighing in on the case, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua suggested that the judiciary official should step aside pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

    The case

    Ms Amadi, alongside her son Brian Ochieng, two other Kenyans and a Liberian citizen have been sued by Bruton Gold Trading LLC, a gold trading firm registered in Dubai, which claims to have lost $742,206 between September 22 and October 21, 2021.

    According to an affidavit by the trader, Mr Demetrios Bradshaw, the money was meant for the purchase of 1,500 kilogrammes of gold bars, but the precious metal was never delivered to the buyer in Dubai.

    The other defendants in the case are Andrew Njenga Kiarie, Kikanae Topoti, Daniel Ndegwa Kangara alias Daniel Muriithi and Edward Taylor alias Mboronda Seyenkulo Sakor, a Liberian passport holder.

    Mr Ochieng (Amadi’s son), Mr Kiarie and Mr Topoti are advocates in the law firm, Amadi and Associates, while Mr Kangara was representing a company called Universal Gold Logistics Limited (UGL) and Mr Sakor was said to have been the vendor of the gold.

    In his affidavit, Mr Bradshaw says that in September 2021, he entered into a transaction with Mr Taylor and paid the cash to UGL through Amadi and Associates, who were its legal representatives. Mr Kangara then sent him documents indicating that the gold had been exported and would shortly arrive in Dubai. He was given a flight and consignment number.

    However, when he checked with the airline, he was told no such consignment had been sent aboard the flight. When he checked with Kangara and Sakor, they informed him that the gold had been taken off the plane as there were some payments which had not been made. He then made the payments and they confirmed to him that some 200 kilogrammes of gold would be exported on the October 22, 2021.

    However, Mr Bradshaw says, no gold was ever exported.

    Mr Sakor then informed him that a court order prohibiting the transfer of the gold to him had been issued.

    Mr Bradshaw later learnt that the suit had in fact been filed by one of the advocates from the same firm, but was subsequently withdrawn and that the order that had been sent to him was different from the actual order that had been issued by court.

    He then filed a complaint with the police, who investigated the matter. The investigations showed that the money deposited was withdrawn by Mr Ochieng and one of his partners in the law firm, Mr Kiarie.

    In his suit, Mr Bradshaw says Ms Amadi and the three advocates, on behalf of the firm and in their personal capacity, together with Mr Kangara and Mr Taylor illegally obtained the money from him and wants them compelled to refund the cash, with interest and cost of the suit.

    He says the account into which the money was paid was opened by Ms Amadi. In support, he attaches a letter Ms Amadi wrote to the bank, requesting the opening of a US dollar and Kenya shilling accounts. In the letter to the bank, dated June 9, 2020, and referenced, “Request to open a client account”, Ms Amadi states: Refer to the above referenced matter, hereby requesting the opening of an advocate’s client account at your renowned banking institution. I have since left private practice and therefore exempted from having a practicing certificate, however, I have appointed Brian O. Amadi (Id. No. ….) and Andrew Njenga Kiarie (ID No…) as signatories to the said account….. We would like to open both a Kenyan shilling and a US dollar account. The mandate of the account shall be both of the signatories of the account to sign.

    Also in the court documents is a letter from the Law Society of Kenya, dated March 7, 2022, which states: “We confirm that, according to our records, Kimani James Kinyanjui, Kiarie Andrew Njenga, Kinoti Dennis Murithi and Amadi Brian Ochieng advocates have declared to be associates in the firm of Amadi and Associates Advocates.”

    There’s also a registration certificate from the Business Registration Services, dated August 23, 2022 which states that a law firm by the name, Amadi and Associates was registered on November 9, 2012, and its proprietor was Anne Atieno Amadi.

    Mr Bradshaw states that investigations into the case had revealed that the funds, which were received through the law firm were withdrawn in cash by Mr Ochieng and Mr Ndegwa.

    “Simply put the defendants herein orchestrated a fraudulent scheme to obtain money from the plaintiff,” his lawyer Murage Juma and Company said.

    After getting wind that the matter was being investigated, Mr Ochieng allegedly called for a meeting and committed to refund the money plus losses incurred by the firm, Mr Bradshaw says. The law firm wrote a letter to the trader’s advocates on May 10, last year and forwarded two cheques totaling to $9,000 as a commitment.

    Mr Bradshaw’s advocates accepted the cheques on account that the entire amount would be refunded and requested a proposal on the settlement of the balance.

    In the plaint, Mr Bradshaw claims that Ms Amadi in telephone conversations, made proposals to clear the amount within six months, but this was declined because there was no security.

    Not yet

    Since her accounts were frozen, the embattled judiciary registrar has been making unsuccessful requests to have her accounts unfrozen. This has also been seen quarters as grounds for her to step aside as she could interfere with proceedings by piling pressure on her juniors.

    The circus

    In the latest development, High court has declined to set aside an order freezing bank accounts of the Chief Registrar. She had rushed to Court under a certificate of urgency seeking to lift the freeze order issued by Justice David Majanja on May 18.

    Justice Majanja who sits alongside Amadi at Judicial Service Commission (JSC) recused himself from handling the matter and transferred the case to presiding judge of commercial court Alfred Mabeya.

    Amadi told the court freezing of her personal bank accounts was prejudicial to her and she was unable to fend for her family.

    Justice Mabeya directed the Dubai based company- Bruton Gold Trading LLC to respond to Amadi’s application ahead of the hearing on May 29.

    Corruption in judiciary

    The latest saga which is also rumored to have roped in two other members of JSC is only adding to the many graft scandals that has plagued the judiciary.

    Justice Said Juma Chitembwe was recently sacked over gross misconduct but this is a tip of the iceberg according to judiciary insiders.

    In the wake of Amadi’s tribulation, it is the silence of Chief Justice Martha Koome that has also alarmed others. While she’s naturally a laid back person, she should remind her counterpart to put the institution first ahead of her personal interests. Nobody is saying she’s guilty or not but as she’s pursuing the justice, it would only be prudent to step aside, let the wheels run until determination. But until then, the headlines won’t stop flashing.

    As the president of the judiciary, Koome should stamp the authority.

  • Chief Registrar Distances Herself From Firm Amadi And Associates Advocates Over The Sh130 Fake Gold Scam

    Chief Registrar Distances Herself From Firm Amadi And Associates Advocates Over The Sh130 Fake Gold Scam

    Chief Registrar of Judiciary Anne Amadi who’s now fighting for her reputation has denied any links to the Sh130 million gold scandal that saw her personal bank accounts being frozen.

    In reply to a petition filed by a Dubai-based gold trading firm, Amadi asked the High Court to lift the order freezing her bank accounts saying she has nothing to do with the transaction.

    She sought the lifting of the orders granted by Justice David Majanja on May 18, saying it was prejudicial to her.

    “It is therefore in the interest of justice that the court be pleased to stay or set aside its orders issued on 18th May 2023 in so far as they pertain to me to enable me to resume my normal life, provide both for myself and my family as prayed in the present application,” Amadi pleaded with the court.

    Justice Majanja, however, declined to lift the order after recusing himself from the case.

    Amadi said in the application that Bruton Gold Trading LLC is guilty of non-disclosure of material facts in its pleadings and affidavits.

    She denied being a signatory to the accounts of Amadi & Associates Advocates, which was acting for the parties in the alleged gold transaction.

    Amadi said she plays no role in the firm and does not draw any income or profit from it since she took leave of absence in January 2014.

    She said she is not aware of, has never met and did not participate in the transaction and neither knows the gold company nor the David Taylor alias Mboronda Seyenkulo.

    She said she ceased engaging in private practice, did not take out any practice certificate or instructions from any client and did not receive any monies from any client or person in that capacity.

    Amadi said the firm remained dormant until her son Brian Amadi and Andrew Kiarie took up the management and operations and the two opted to retain the name.

    Sh130M fake gold saga.

    Last week, Bruton, a Dubai based company, obtained orders freeing Amadi and her son’s personal bank accounts.

    Justice David Majanja also froze two bank account numbers domiciled at African Banking Corporation Bank, Green House mall, Nairobi in the name of Amadi and associates advocates.

    Also frozen are those of Kiarie, Topoti and David Kangara.

    The preservation orders were issued following the suit filed by Bruton which accused Amadi, her son Ochieng and five others of allegedly conspired to fraudulently obtain over Sh100 million from them.

    The company claims they illegally obtained $742,206 on the pretense that they would deliver 1,500kgs of gold bars.

    The company told the court how fake documentations were procured in an attempt to mislead them that they were committing to a genuine transaction. A tracking number was also provided by the parties involved to prove that the consignment of gold had left Kenya aboard a Kenya Airways Flight to Dubai.

    Its directors according to the court documents were introduced by Edward Taylor, a Liberian national to one Daniel Ndegwa Kangara (Alias Dan Muriithi) who at the time it was alleged was an officer in an entity identified as Universal Global Logistics Limited.

    UGL was in the gold export business and it could export gold from Kenya to Dubai.

    Bruton says the agreement between the parties was that Kangara was to deliver gold for export (in Kenya), which gold would be exported by the Liberian to Dubai for sale. The cost was to be covered by Bruton.

    An agreement was subsequently entered between the Dubai firm and UGL.

    UGL was represented by Amadi’s son Law firm for the export of the 1,500kgs gold bars allegedly owned by the Liberian and his family from Kenya to Dubai.

    Bruton consequently sent $592,970 (Sh81.5 million) to the law firm account at African Banking Corporation Limited (7th defendant in the suit).

    The monies were dispatched in tranches between September 22, 2021, and October 21, 2021. It was withdrawn in cash by Ochieng and Kiarie from ABC Bank.

    Fake gold scammers have made their part of fraud scheme to using collaborative law firms in luring victims to make the deals seem authentic and use the firms to receive cash.