Mike Sonko Faces Defamation Suit Over Multi-Billion Shilling Beachfront Estate
A long-running court dispute over the estate of the late billionaire James Simon Bellhouse has resurfaced in the High Court, where lawyer Lucy Nyamoita Momanyi has accused former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko of defamation and professional misconduct.
The case stems from events more than a decade ago, when Sonko, then serving as a senator, allegedly confronted Momanyi at the Mombasa High Court regarding her management of Bellhouse’s estate. Bellhouse, a British-born tycoon who died in 2009, left behind assets estimated at about Sh50 billion, including 80 acres of beachfront land in Diani and substantial shareholdings in several companies.
Momanyi was appointed co-administrator of the estate alongside Bellhouse’s widow, Joy Nadzua. She told the Milimani High Court on 23 October 2025 that she resigned from the position after receiving threats and facing public accusations from Sonko.
She claims his remarks, which were widely published in print and electronic media, damaged her reputation and led to the loss of clients. She is seeking general and exemplary damages, as well as a court order preventing Sonko from making further comments about her or her firm.
The disputed Will, reportedly prepared in Momanyi’s office in January 2007, granted her and Nadzua authority to manage Bellhouse’s assets and included instructions for his burial. Sonko has challenged the Will’s validity, citing legal advice that questioned how it was executed.
He alleges that some assets known to the widow were left out and that Momanyi failed to address inconsistencies when asked. In his defence, Sonko says he became involved at Nadzua’s request, describing her as a family friend who sought his help in recovering unlisted assets.
He maintains that his intervention helped the widow regain properties and funds previously out of reach. He denies defaming Momanyi and argues that her suit is politically driven and lacks merit.
The dispute has also involved regulatory authorities after Nadzua reportedly filed complaints against Momanyi with the Law Society of Kenya, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. Momanyi denies any wrongdoing and rejects claims that she threatened the widow.
On 27 October, the High Court rejected Momanyi’s request to introduce new witness evidence, ruling that the application was filed too late and would unnecessarily delay proceedings. The judge described the move as an afterthought and emphasised the importance of judicial efficiency.
The matter is scheduled to continue on 16 March 2026.