In a major development surrounding the KSh100 million gold scandal case in Kenya, the High Court has dismissed a request to lift the freeze on bank accounts linked to Anne Amadi, the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, and her law firm, Amadi & Associates. Justice David Majanja, who originally ordered the freeze, has opted to recuse himself from the case, deeming it inappropriate to overturn his decision.
Represented by attorney Ochieng Oduol, Ms. Amadi has sought to have the freeze lifted, contending that it has caused financial distress and unfairly prejudiced her as the Chief Registrar. Oduol further argues that she has been denied the opportunity to present her defense. Nevertheless, Justice Majanja has declined the request, referring to his previous decision to recuse himself and emphasizing that Judge Alfred Mabeya of the commercial division should review the matter.
The freezing order was granted to Bruton Gold Trading LLC, a British company based in Dubai, which claims to have been defrauded of over Sh100 million (US dollars) in 2021. The company alleges that Ms. Amadi, along with her son Brian Ochieng and other defendants, including Andrew Njenga Kiarie, Kikanae Topoti, Daniel Ndegwa Kangara, and Edward Taylor, failed to deliver the purchased gold bars despite receiving payment.
During the court proceedings, attorney Joseph Murage opposed the request to lift the freeze, underscoring that the law firm remains registered under Ms. Amadi’s name and emphasizing the necessity of preserving the case’s foundation.
The ongoing legal battle centers on allegations of fraud and non-delivery of gold. Demetrios Bradshaw, representing Bruton Gold Trading LLC, accuses the defendants of breaching contractual obligations and inflicting substantial financial losses. The dispute revolves around a transaction in 2021 when Bruton Gold Trading LLC intended to purchase gold bars from the defendants, but the delivery never occurred.
The decision not to suspend the freeze order on Anne Amadi’s bank accounts and those of Amadi & Associates carries considerable implications. It underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a comprehensive investigation.
