The High Court has handed businessman Daniel Kimani Kariuki control of Ridgeways Inn-The Yard in Kiambu Road, while barring his former fiancée Sylvia Wamboi Karanja from interfering with the nightclub’s operations.
Justice Mary Kasango issued interim orders stopping Karanja from entering the premises, collecting payments from customers, or transferring money from the business until the ownership case is heard and determined.
In her ruling, the judge said the plaintiffs had established a prima facie case with a probability of success. She noted that Kariuki and Ruth Wanjiru Maigua had said they were once directors of Bebadis Company Limited and denied resigning or selling their shares, while Karanja’s response amounted to denials.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the said Sylvia Wamboi Karanja shall cease to enter or remain at the said premises known as Ridgeways Inn-The Yard pending the hearing and determination of this suit. For the avoidance of doubt, Daniel Kimani Kariuki is the sole person permitted by this court to run the business of Bebadis Company Limited at L.R. No 27/272 along Kiambu road until further orders of this court,” Justice Kasango ruled.
Kariuki moved to court in October, accusing Karanja of forging documents to remove him from ownership of Ridgeways Inn only weeks before he was due to pay dowry ahead of their planned wedding.
The suit names Bebadis Company Limited as the first plaintiff. Kariuki and Maigua are listed as the second and third plaintiffs. Karanja is the first defendant, while The Ridgeways Yard Company Limited, a firm she owns, is the second defendant.
Karanja has challenged the case, arguing that she is the sole director of Bebadis and that the company did not authorise Kariuki to sue on its behalf.
