US Couple Sues Kenyan Tycoon Julius Mwale Over Sh112 Million 'Investment' Debt

An American couple has initiated legal proceedings against Kenyan businessman Julius Mwale and his American spouse Kaila Mwale.

The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court, District of Utah, centres on an alleged debt of $870,000 (approximately Sh112.2 million). Matthew and Brooke Shaw, the plaintiffs, assert that the Mwales failed to repay this substantial sum, which was ostensibly borrowed for investment in projects across Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The genesis of this legal dispute traces back to February 18, 2022, when the two couples first encountered each other at a private dinner hosted in Holladay, Utah. The event, where the Shaws' eldest daughter performed, facilitated an immediate connection between the families.

The Mwales, presenting themselves as billionaires, swiftly established a rapport with the Shaws, initially suggesting a potential friendship between their children. According to the lawsuit, Julius Mwale, through his company KE International, allegedly misrepresented his business ventures. The company was portrayed as an independent construction and engineering firm with contracts to develop self-sustaining cities in Kenya and beyond. However, upon visiting Kenya, the Shaws claim to have discovered significant discrepancies between the promised projects and reality. The court documents detail Mr Mwale's alleged efforts to enhance his credibility with the Shaws. These included sharing text messages containing recordings of private video calls and emails with prominent figures such as Senator Mitt Romney and US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, among others.

Additionally, the Mwales invited the Shaws to their estate in San Jose, California, on multiple occasions. During these visits, the Mwales reportedly showcased extravagant features of their property, including expensive automobiles and a wine cellar purportedly valued at approximately $250 million (Sh32 billion). By March 2022, the Mwales were actively encouraging the Shaws to participate in various investment opportunities. The Shaws now contend that they were deceived into investing in projects that were either nonexistent or grossly misrepresented. The lawsuit seeks to recover the $870,000 that the Shaws allege was fraudulently obtained by the Mwales.

Julius Mwale, a Kenyan-born entrepreneur, has garnered attention for his ambitious investments in Kenya, most notably the Mwale Medical and Technology City (MMTC). This $2 billion project aims to create a sustainable metropolis in Butere, Kakamega County. Mwale's journey from humble beginnings to his current status as a billionaire has been widely reported in the media. He grew up in Lunza village, Butere, and pursued a diploma in telecommunications engineering after attending Mukumu Boys Secondary School.

Mwale's career commenced in the Kenya Air Force, where he was involved in technology research. However, an intellectual property dispute led him to flee Kenya and seek asylum in the United States. Despite facing significant challenges, including homelessness, Mwale persevered and eventually established SBA Technologies, Inc., a company specializing in biometrics. Beyond MMTC, Mwale has made substantial investments in various sectors. He placed a significant bid for the leasing of Mumias Sugar Company and has ambitious plans to construct multiple smart cities across Africa by 2050. His investments have earned him recognition, including an award at the Africa Prosperity Champions Awards in Accra, Ghana.