Prominent Kenyan businessman Jimi Wanjigi has been given a seven-day ultimatum to file fresh court documents in a protracted legal battle over an alleged KSh 16.5 million (approximately $160,000 USD) debt owed to helicopter charter firm Lady Lori.
The directive, issued on November 22, 2025, marks a new chapter in a dispute that has been ongoing since 2015.
Lady Lori initiated the lawsuit, seeking to prevent Wanjigi and his associated companies, Tyl Limited and Kwacha Group of Companies, from repossessing his helicopter, registration number 5Y-JWJ, until the outstanding maintenance and hangar fees are settled.
The firm claims it was contracted in 2014 to service Wanjigi’s personal helicopter and provide a replacement aircraft when his was unairworthy. A year later, hangar space services were added to the bill.
However, Tyl Limited has objected to the suit, asserting that it owes Lady Lori only a little over $70,000 (approximately KSh 7 million) and that the case is a tactic to coerce payment for debts owed by Wanjigi and Kwacha Group.
Tyl Limited also disputes allegations that helicopter 5Y-JWJ was used during political campaigns, claiming it has been non-operational for over two years.
Lady Lori’s accounts manager, Joseph Githiga, stated in court papers that Tyl Limited is attempting to “disown its contractual obligations”.
Justice Olga Sewe previously ordered Tyl Limited to deposit the admitted KSh 7 million into an interest-earning account pending the suit’s determination.
Wanjigi has previously faced a U.S. travel ban due to alleged ties to corruption in the Anglo Leasing scandal.
More recently, in August 2024, Wanjigi filed a lawsuit seeking the return of items worth KSh 8.5 million (about $68,801 USD) that he claims were unlawfully seized by police during a raid on his home, which he described as part of ongoing harassment.
The outcome of the Lady Lori case will have significant implications for Wanjigi and his companies, further scrutinizing his business practices and financial dealings.
