Laura Akunga, a businesswoman and wife, was living a quiet life until she posted on Facebook about buying her husband a high-end Land Cruiser VX as a birthday gift.
The post, which included photos and a video, claimed the gift was worth Sh10 million and was intended to be an inspirational love story. However, it sparked widespread news reports and social media comments.
Allegations Arise ¶
Barely 24 hours after the post, bloggers like Robert Alai pointed out inconsistencies between her story and previous media interviews. This was followed by allegations that she was a tax defaulter, prompting her to post Kenya Revenue Authority compliance certificates to clear her name.
Businessman Sriram Bharatam also emerged with court documents pertaining to a suit filed at the High Court on March 31 over a Sh17 million debt owed by Ms Akunga and her company. Mr Bharatam alleges that she took money from him on various dates between January 31, 2013 and August 28, 2013.
Court Documents Reveal Details ¶
According to court documents, Mr Bharatam claims to have given her $98,953 (Sh9.9 million) and another $81,441 (Sh8.1 million) from Iridium Interactive Ltd, where he is a director. He said that after giving a series of excuses for not paying him back, she stopped communicating with him and his company in October 2013.
In her defence filed in court, Ms Akunga admits getting money from the businessman due to what she calls family friendship. Her lawyers stated that Ms Akunga and Mr Bharatam had a strong friendship, which included their families and professional associates.
Ms Akunga also claims that Mr Bharatam owes her amounts that add up to $605,400 (Sh 60 million) for her offering of linkage services and financial assistance. She dismisses Mr Bharatam’s claims that she had lied to him as "frivolous, scandalous and vexatious".
Public Opinion Divided ¶
As the legal tussle continues at the Milimani Commercial Courts, Nairobi, public opinion is divided on whether her decision to announce the gift was warranted and whether she is being victimised.
The recovered account cited reporting by Nation.
