Chief Judiciary Registrar Anne Amadi has distanced herself from reports linking her to a Ksh102 million gold scam involving a Dubai-based businessman. Amadi has said in an affidavit submitted to the High Court that the supposed money was not wired to her account as claimed by the Dubai business.
Amadi also indicated that she did not benefit from the gold exchange, as the petitioner claimed. As a result, the Chief Judicial Registrar accused the Dubai firm of bringing her name into the affair without presenting evidence.
“I confirm that no such sums relating to the impugned transaction were ever deposited to my personal bank accounts, and the petitioner has failed to tender any evidence that I was a beneficiary of the alleged fraud,” she countered.
“No evidence has been tendered in support of the general allegations that I have fraudulently benefitted from the alleged undelivered gold consignment,” she added.
However, the High Court did not lift the order freezing her bank account, which allegedly received the funds.
The matter took a new turn after High Court Judge Justice David Majanja recused himself from hearing it. Majanja referred the case to Judge Alfred Mabeya, citing a conflict of interest.
“I am a member of the Judicial Service Commission, where Amadi serves as the Secretary and Chief Judiciary Registrar and I granted the order on that basis it was the law firm -Amadi & Associates Advocates registered in her name. I note there are issues pertaining to my partiality and impression created to the members of the public,” Majanja explained.
“I, therefore, disqualify myself from hearing the matter and refer it to the High Court Commercial Division Presiding Judge Alfred Mabeya,” he directed.
He claimed in the petition that the account that received the money was opened and registered by Amadi.
“She is among those who orchestrated a fraudulent scheme to obtain money by false pretence through her law firm Amadi and Associates Advocates. They received the funds and hurriedly withdrew them in cash without adequate supporting documentation,” the dealer alleged.
The merchant thus sought orders from the country to recover Ksh102 million, which was paid for undelivered minerals.