Moses Wetangula Sued for Outstanding Sh298,000 German Shepherd Debt

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has become entangled in a legal dispute over an alleged unpaid debt of Sh298,100.

The case, filed in the Small Claims Court at Milimani, is initiated by Isokat Bethwel, who contends that Wetangula failed to fully compensate him for the provision of two German Shepherd dogs and related services. According to court documents, Bethwel claims that in 2021 Wetangula allegedly engaged his services to deliver two male German Shepherds, aged six months and one year, along with dog food, grooming supplies, and staff training. The total cost of these services amounted to Sh348,100. Despite repeated attempts to collect payment, Bethwel asserts that Wetangula only paid Sh100,000, leaving a substantial balance outstanding.

The situation has reportedly taken a significant toll on Bethwel, both financially and emotionally. After his efforts to recover the remaining balance were allegedly rebuffed by Wetangula, Bethwel sought legal intervention. His advocate sent a demand letter to Wetangula in July 2024, which went unanswered, prompting the current court action. While oral contracts are legally binding in Kenya, proving their terms without written documentation can be problematic, often resulting in protracted legal battles and financial strain for aggrieved parties.

“Upon several follow-ups, the respondent only paid the claimant Sh100,000 and remained with a balance of Sh 298,100. The Claimant further reached out to the respondent through various means to recover the said balance, but, the respondent rudely and adamantly informed the claimant that he would not pay him the remaining balance,” reads the claimant’s statement of claim.

The legal proceedings against Wetangula coincide with ongoing challenges in the Kenyan judiciary, particularly in the Small Claims Court. Established to expedite minor dispute resolutions, the court has experienced an influx of cases.