National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has been sued in the Small Claims Court at Milimani for allegedly failing to settle a debt of Sh298,100 for the supply of two German Shepherd dogs and related training services. The suit was filed by Isokat Bethwel, who claims that in June 2021, Mr. Wetangula contracted him to deliver the dogs and provide other services, but has since refused to pay the full amount owed.
According to court documents, Mr. Bethwel alleges that he supplied two male German Shepherd dogs—aged six months and one year—along with dog food, five litres of dog shampoo, and four grooming brushes. The total cost for these items amounted to Sh348,100. Additionally, Bethwel says that Mr. Wetangula requested training services for his staff on handling the dogs, which he agreed to provide for an additional fee of Sh50,000.
Mr. Bethwel claims that the agreement was made orally on June 11, 2021, and that despite several follow-ups, Mr. Wetangula only made a partial payment of Sh100,000, leaving an outstanding balance of Sh298,100. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to recover the debt, Bethwel sought legal advice, resulting in his advocate sending a demand letter to the Speaker on July 11, 2024. The demand letter allegedly received no response, and Mr. Wetangula has reportedly refused to pay the remaining balance.
In his court filing, Mr. Bethwel asserts that the prolonged refusal to settle the debt has caused him psychological distress. He is now seeking the court’s assistance to recover the balance of Sh298,100, as well as general damages and legal costs.
The case, which has attracted significant public attention, was filed by Ashioya Mogire and Nkatha Advocates on July 25, 2024.