Ecobank Kenya’s Faces KSh 284mn Asset Seizure in Estate Case

Court has ordered the seizure and auction of EcoBank Kenya’s assets to recover KSh 284 million owed to the estate of Mbiyu Koinange...
✨ Key Highlights
The High Court has ordered the seizure and auction of EcoBank Kenya’s assets to recover KSh 284 million owed to the estate of former cabinet minister Mbiyu Koinange. This landmark ruling redefines banks’ obligations in managing estate accounts.
- Moran Auctioneers is authorized to attach and sell EcoBank's movable property after a 15-day notice.
- The order stems from a June judgment by Justice Eric Ogolla, finding EcoBank liable for irregular withdrawals despite a prior court order.
- Justice Ogolla ruled that the "onus of ensuring that the bank account is managed accordingly lies with the bank."
- The original 2011 ruling by Justice David Maraga mandated funds remain untouched without court approval.
- This case sets a precedent, holding financial institutions liable for losses from estate accounts, even with authorized signatories' instructions.
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Part of the Day's Coverage
Court Orders Target StanChart and Ecobank; Petition Seeks Stricter Lending Laws - September 2025
The High Court has halted the release of Sh7 billion in pension funds to 629 retirees of Standard Chartered Bank due to a dispute over legal fees. The injunction was issued by Justice Moses Ado following an application by lawyer Ruth Wanyonyi. In a separate case, the High Court ordered the seizure and auction of EcoBank Kenya’s assets to recover KSh 284 million owed to the estate of former cabinet minister Mbiyu Koinange, a ruling that redefines banks’ obligations in managing estate accounts. Concurrently, a new petition has been filed in the Kenyan Parliament seeking stricter regulation of loan interest charges to combat predatory lending practices by banks, digital lenders, and shylocks.

