Decade-Old Allegations Resurface in Court

NAIROBI – A High Court hearing on Monday, October 27, 2025 (EAT), has brought a long-simmering defamation lawsuit involving former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko back into the spotlight. The case, which has been in the legal system for 11 years, centres on the administration of the Sh50 billion estate of the late billionaire James Simon Bellhouse. Lawyer Lucy Nyamoita Momanyi is suing Mr. Sonko for alleged defamatory remarks he made over a decade ago when he was a Senator. In the most recent development, the High Court dismissed an application by Ms. Momanyi to introduce additional evidence, ruling that the request was made too late in the proceedings.

The Heart of the Dispute

The conflict traces back to the period following the death of Mr. Bellhouse in 2009. According to court documents, Ms. Momanyi was appointed as a co-administrator and trustee of the vast estate, alongside the tycoon's widow, Joy Nadzua, based on a will penned on January 10, 2007. The estate includes significant assets, notably 80 acres of prime beachfront land in Diani and shares in at least eight companies. Ms. Momanyi alleges that her role as administrator was cut short due to threats and intimidation from Mr. Sonko. She claims that Mr. Sonko confronted her at the Mombasa High Court premises, accusing her of professional misconduct in her handling of the multi-billion shilling estate. This confrontation, she told the High Court in Nairobi, compelled her to resign from her duties. As a result, she is seeking general and exemplary damages for defamation and a court order to restrain Mr. Sonko from further discussing her or her law firm in relation to the Bellhouse estate.

Sonko's Defence and Counter-Claims

Mr. Sonko has vehemently denied the allegations of defamation and has urged the court to dismiss the case, which he claims is politically motivated. In his defense, the former governor states he was acting at the behest of the widow, Ms. Nadzua, who had allegedly reported threats from the lawyer to him. Mr. Sonko claims Ms. Nadzua suspected "mischief" in Ms. Momanyi's conduct, particularly alleging that the will prepared by the lawyer did not include all of the deceased's known properties and assets. He further contends that his intervention was beneficial to the widow, helping her recover properties, assets, and cash held in bank accounts. Mr. Sonko also told the court that Ms. Momanyi had made adverse statements about him to the media, including calling him a “convict” and accusing him of being involved in swindling her of Sh16 million.

A History of Legal Battles

This case is one of several high-profile legal challenges Mr. Sonko has faced over the years. His political career has been marked by numerous court appearances, though his legal fortunes have seen a recent upturn. In February 2024, Mr. Sonko and 16 others were acquitted in a Sh357 million graft case after a magistrate ruled there was inadequate evidence to proceed. Similarly, in October 2025, the High Court dismissed a case by the Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) that sought the forfeiture of millions of shillings in his bank accounts, with the judge ruling that the agency failed to prove the funds were proceeds of crime. The ongoing defamation suit, however, moves from public finance to personal reputation and the complex, often contentious, administration of private wealth in Kenya. The outcome will have significant financial and reputational implications for both the prominent politician and the lawyer. The main suit continues, with a final verdict pending.