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The High Court of Kenya has directed the seizure of approximately KSh 34 million in a bank account along with two luxurious cars belonging to Anthony Odiero.
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The High Court directed the confiscation of a Range Rover (KDE 369G) and a Mercedes-Benz E250 (KCN 880Q).
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The High Court ordered the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to hand over ownership to the Assets Recovery Agency.
Elijah Ntongai, who works for .co.ke as a journalist, possesses over four years of experience in researching and reporting on finance, business, and technology. He offers valuable perspectives on both Kenyan and international developments.
The Kenyan High Court has directed the confiscation of assets such as money in a bank account and expensive cars, determining that these items were obtained via illicit funds.
The verdict was announced online on December 9, 2024, by Judge P.J. Otieno from the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division.
This decision originates from a civil lawsuit initiated by the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) against Anthony Kepha Odiero, aiming to reclaim funds and assets believed to be connected with money laundering and corruption activities.
What was the decision of the High Court?
According to the ruling, the court stated that $270,888.47 (approximately KSh 34 million) kept in account number 02006230139300 with the National Bank of Kenya Limited located in Odiero’s name was acquired unlawfully.
Justice Otieno also declared,
IT IS ORDERED THAT the National Bank of Kenya Limited shall transfer forthwith the specified amount of USD 270,888.47 from account number 02006230139300 belonging to Anthony Kepha Odiero to the US dollar account number 1292910038 maintained with Kenya Commercial Bank at their KICC branch for the benefit of the Assets Recovery Agency.
Furthermore, the court ruled that Odiero must forfeit two high-end vehicles bearing his name: a Range Rover listed under registration number KDE 369G and a Mercedes-Benz E250 identified by registration number KCN 880Q.
The cars, considered as proceeds from criminal activities, will now be handed over to the ARA representing the Kenyan government. Justice Otieno further instructed the head of the NTSA to register these automobiles under the Asset Recovery Agency’s name and provide new registration documents.
Why will Odiero be losing assets and money?
The lawsuit was initially submitted on November 17, 2023, under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act along with the Civil Procedure Rules. The ARA contended that the money and properties were obtained via unlawful practices and thus should be seized by the government.
The court determined that there was enough proof showing Odiero couldn’t justify his substantial riches, which sparked concerns about potential money laundering and corruption. As a result, the court authorized the government to take possession of and retrieve these assets.
The agency has been actively pursuing cases involving unexplained wealth, particularly among individuals linked to public corruption and economic crimes.
